Lakatos' methodology of research programs

Lakatos' methodology of research programs views scientific progress as advancing through a series of interconnected theories, called research programs. Each program has a core set of fundamental ideas that remain stable, while surrounding "protective belts" of auxiliary hypotheses are adjusted as new evidence emerges. When evidence contradicts the program, it can evolve into a "progressive" one by predicting new phenomena, or become "degenerative" if it fails to produce new insights. This approach emphasizes the importance of comparing entire research programs based on their ability to generate novel, testable predictions over time.