Study Guide: Chapter 3 — The Nature of Normal Science

Core Concept

Normal science actualizes the paradigm's promise: determining significant facts, matching facts to theory, articulating the theory. It doesn't seek novelty — restriction of vision is precisely what enables depth and precision.

Key Terms

Mop-up work · articulation · fact-theory match · three problem classes

Case Summary

A century of Euler, Lagrange, and Laplace completing Newton: making the Moon's orbit obey the Principia. Not testing Newton — fulfilling him.

Application Checklist

• [ ] Sort your backlog: extension-of-framework vs challenge-to-framework
• [ ] Identify the unglamorous precision work your field's progress depends on
• [ ] Stop demanding disruption where refinement is the need

Self-Test

1. The three classes of normal-science problems?
2. Why does normal science not aim at novelty — and why is that productive?
3. What makes restriction of vision an engine rather than a flaw?