Full Idea
We suggest a modal account of novel prediction. That a theory could predict some unknown phenomenon is what matters, not whether it actually did so predict.
Gist of Idea
What matters is whether a theory can predict - not whether it actually does so
Source
J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 2.1.3)
Book Reference
Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.79
A Reaction
They also emphasise predicting new types of thing, rather than particular items. Some theories are powerful on explanation, but not so concerned with prediction. See Idea 14915.
Related Idea
Idea 14915 The theory of evolution was accepted because it explained, not because of its predictions [Ladyman/Ross]