In the philosophy of science, the mere accumulation of data consistent with a theory is often viewed as inadequate for establishing scientific truth. Philosopher Thomas Kuhn suggested that true scientific progress occurs not through steady accumulation, but through "paradigm shifts" that occur when a current theory fails to explain anomalies. Therefore, for a new scientific model to be considered a genuine advancement, it must not only explain existing data but also ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
discard any experimental results that were gathered under the previous theoretical framework.
resolve the specific discrepancies and anomalies that the previous model could not account for.
be universally accepted by the scientific community before any peer review takes place.
prove that all previous scientific theories were entirely baseless and incorrect.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text contrasts simple data accumulation with "paradigm shifts" that happen when a theory fails to explain anomalies. Logically, for a new model to represent a shift and an advancement, it must succeed where the old one failed—specifically by resolving the "discrepancies and anomalies" mentioned.
Choice A is incorrect because a new theory usually reinterprets existing data rather than discarding valid experimental results. Choice C is incorrect because scientific validity comes from evidence and testing, not preemptive universal acceptance. Choice D is incorrect because new theories often build upon or refine old ones (like Newtonian physics) rather than proving them "entirely baseless."