Trouble with Hubble? A brief philosophical assessment of the $$H_0$$ tension
Abstract
Abstract Despite some labeling the Hubble tension as a ‘crisis’, I argue that this tension does not endanger $$\Lambda$$ CDM as a permanent contribution to scientific knowledge. Utilizing a Lakatosian framework, I argue that the $$\Lambda$$ CDM model represents the latest stage in an evolving research programme characterized by empirical and theoretical progress. I further contend that plausible resolutions to the Hubble tension align with established strategies within this research programme that preserve $$\Lambda$$ CDM as a highly accurate approximation. This paper concludes that both the current cosmological research programme and the $$\Lambda$$ CDM branch of it are well-positioned to resolve the Hubble tension, thus mitigating concerns of an epistemic crisis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Cosmology and Gravitation Theories
Publication details
- Journal / source
- European Journal for Philosophy of Science
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 3
- Publication date
- 31 July 2026
- Language
- EN