In 2012, the Geological Time Scale, which sets the temporal framework for studying the timing and tempo of all major geological, biological, and climatic events in Earth’s history, had one-quarter of its boundaries moved in a widespread revision of radiometric dates. The philosophy of metrology helps us understand this episode, and it, in turn, elucidates the notions of calibration, coherence, and consilience. I argue that coherence testing is a distinct activity preceding calibration and consilience, and I highlight the value of discordant evidence and trade-offs scientists face in calibration. The iterative nature of calibration, moreover, raises the problem of legacy data.

中文翻译：

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地质年代辐射测量的校准、一致性和一致性

2012 年，为研究地球历史上所有主要地质、生物和气候事件的时间和节奏设定时间框架的地质时标，其四分之一的边界在辐射测量日期的广泛修订中移动。计量哲学帮助我们理解这一事件，反过来，它阐明了校准、连贯性和一致性的概念。我认为相干性测试是校准和一致性之前的一项独特活动，并且我强调了科学家在校准中面临的不一致证据和权衡的价值。此外，校准的迭代性质引发了遗留数据的问题。