Question

Why is it important that scientific theories can be modified as new information comes to light?

Answer 1

This is the wrong section to ask this in, however I think a computer related example works.

Let a program be called \(x\).
\(x\) is developed.
New information comes to light letting the developers know \(x\) has a security flaw.
\(x\) is modified to counter the security flaw.

If \(x\) was not modified, \(x\) would be trashed as it is of no use. Likewise in science if a theory is not developed in the light of new information, many people will disregard it. To keep the theory up to scientific scrutiny, it must be modified.

A great example is evolution.