Text 1: Historian Dr. Lisa Moore studies scientific revolutions. "Paradigm shifts replace one worldview with another," Moore writes. "Scientists working in different paradigms see different things. No neutral standpoint exists for comparison."
Text 2: Philosopher Dr. Robert Park challenges strong incommensurability. "Paradigm change shows progressive characteristics," Park argues. "Later theories explain predecessor successes and more. If comparison were impossible, we couldn't identify scientific progress."
What does Park suggest is problematic about Moore's incommensurability thesis?
That scientific change never occurs
That it makes the recognition of scientific progress inexplicable
That worldviews don't exist
That all paradigms are identical
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Moore suggests no comparison is possible. Park asks how we then identify progress—later theories explain more. If truly incommensurable, progress couldn't be recognized.
- Evidence: Park: "If comparison were impossible, we couldn't identify progress."
- Reasoning: Our ability to judge progress implies some comparison is possible.
- Conclusion: Strong incommensurability makes progress recognition impossible.
Choice A is incorrect because Park discusses progressive characteristics of change. Choice C is incorrect because Park discusses worldviews. Choice D is incorrect because Park accepts paradigm differences.