Study Guide: Chapter 4 — Normal Science as Puzzle-Solving

Core Concept

Normal problems are puzzles: solution assured, rules fixed, failure blames the solver not the theory. During normal science, theories test scientists — Popper inverted.

Key Terms

Puzzle · assured solution · rules (explicit/implicit) · commitments

Case Summary

Nineteenth-century atomic-weight refinement and constant-measurement: nobody doubted the framework; the challenge — and the career — was in the craft.

Application Checklist

• [ ] Label current problems: puzzle vs open question — assign accordingly
• [ ] When something fails, check calibration: skill-blame vs framework-blame
• [ ] Write down three unstated rules constraining your acceptable solutions

Self-Test

1. What makes a problem a puzzle regardless of importance?
2. Why is it rational to blame the practitioner during normal science?
3. Where does Lakatos's "hard core" echo this chapter?