Drifting Continents and Colliding Paradigms Perspectives on the Geoscience Revolution

Contents

Preface 1. Perspectives on Scientific Revolutions Diverse Perspectives on the Nature of Scientific Revolutions Data and OTheory TestingO in the History of Science Overview of the Chapters 2. The Rise and Fall of Continental Drift Theory Geological Thought in the Early 1900s Continental Drift Theories The Response to Wegener: 1920-1945 Discussion and Conclusions 3. Specialization without Integrating Theory: 1945-1959 Oceanography Seismology Geochronology Geosyncline Theory and Continental Accretion Paleomagnetism Global Theories Discussion and Conclusions 4. Plate Tectonics: Its Origin, Development, and Opponents The Seafloor Spreading Hypothesis: 1960-1963 Growing Evidence for Seafloor Spreading: 1964-1966 The Rise and Partial Acceptance of Plate Tectonics: 1967-1970 Developments in the 1970s and Continuing Problems Opposition By A Minority Summary and Discussion 5. Philosophical and Historical Perspectives Logical Empiricism Critical Rationalism Sophisticated Falsificationism The OProblem-SolvingO Perspective General Problems with the ORationalistO Perspectives The Paradigm Perspective Models and Analogies in Science Conclusion and Overview: The OParadigmO Paradigm 6. Social Perspectives on Decision-Making in Science Decisions in a Typical Research Project Source and Iconic Models for Studying Decision-Making in Science Decison-Making in Social Organizations The Motivations of Scientists and the Context of Research Sociological Perspectives on Science Measuring the OGlobalO Properties of Decision-Making in a Scientific Discipline Summary and Conclusions 7. Quantitative Studies Predicting the Influence of Scientific OConversationsO Assessing the Importance of Social and Scientific Interests Predicting Published Opinions on Continental Drift Theory: 1900-1950 Conclusions 8. Reflections A Recapitulation The Nature of Scientific Knowledge and Suggestions for Future Studies Reflexive Reflections Postscript Notes Bibliography Index

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