  The traditional paradigm for magnetic field lines changing connections
ignores magnetic field line chaos and requires an extremely large current
density, $j_{max}\propto R_m$, flowing in thin sheets of thickness $1/R_m$,
where $R_m$ is the magnetic Reynolds number. The time required for a general
natural evolution to take a smooth magnetic field into such a state is rarely
considered. Natural evolutions generally cause magnetic field lines to become
chaotic. A fast change in field line connections then arises on the timescale
defined by the evolution multiplied by a $\ln(R_m)$ factor, and the required
maximum current density scales as $\ln(R_m)$. Even when simulations support the
new paradigm based on chaos, they have been interpreted as supporting the old.
How this could happen is an important example for plasma physics of Kuhn's
statements about the acceptance of paradigm change and on Popper's views on the
judgment of truth in science.

Plasma Physics;Solar and Stellar Astrophysics