Question

what does mary and the other scientists say about how science progresses?

Explanation:

To answer this question, we would typically need to refer to the specific context or text where Mary and the other scientists discuss the progress of science (such as a passage, research paper, or textbook chapter). Without that context, we can't provide a detailed answer about their specific views. However, generally, scientific progress is often described in terms of:

1. Accumulation of Knowledge: Science progresses by building on previous discoveries, with new findings adding to the existing body of knowledge. For example, each new experiment or observation contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.
2. Paradigm Shifts (Kuhn's Theory): Thomas Kuhn proposed that science doesn't always progress linearly. Instead, it goes through periods of "normal science" (where scientists work within a dominant paradigm) and occasional "paradigm shifts" when a new way of thinking (a new paradigm) replaces the old one, often due to accumulated anomalies that the old paradigm can't explain.
3. Falsification (Popper's Theory): Karl Popper suggested that scientific theories are tested by attempts to falsify them (prove them wrong). A theory that withstands repeated attempts at falsification is considered more robust, and science progresses as we discard falsified theories and refine or replace them with better ones.
4. Collaboration and Communication: Scientists share their findings through publications, conferences, and other means. This collaboration allows for peer review, replication of experiments, and the synthesis of ideas from different researchers, which drives progress.
5. Technological Advancements: New tools and technologies (like more powerful microscopes, telescopes, or computational methods) enable scientists to make observations and conduct experiments that were previously impossible, leading to new discoveries and progress in various fields.

If Mary and the other scientists in the relevant context follow one or more of these theories (or have their own unique perspective), that would be the basis for answering the question. For example, if they align with Kuhn, their view might emphasize paradigm shifts; if with Popper, falsification as the key to progress.

Since we don't have the specific context here, we can only provide this general overview of how scientists typically describe scientific progress, which would be the starting point to answer the question once the context is known.

Answer:

To answer this question, we would typically need to refer to the specific context or text where Mary and the other scientists discuss the progress of science (such as a passage, research paper, or textbook chapter). Without that context, we can't provide a detailed answer about their specific views. However, generally, scientific progress is often described in terms of:

1. Accumulation of Knowledge: Science progresses by building on previous discoveries, with new findings adding to the existing body of knowledge. For example, each new experiment or observation contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.
2. Paradigm Shifts (Kuhn's Theory): Thomas Kuhn proposed that science doesn't always progress linearly. Instead, it goes through periods of "normal science" (where scientists work within a dominant paradigm) and occasional "paradigm shifts" when a new way of thinking (a new paradigm) replaces the old one, often due to accumulated anomalies that the old paradigm can't explain.
3. Falsification (Popper's Theory): Karl Popper suggested that scientific theories are tested by attempts to falsify them (prove them wrong). A theory that withstands repeated attempts at falsification is considered more robust, and science progresses as we discard falsified theories and refine or replace them with better ones.
4. Collaboration and Communication: Scientists share their findings through publications, conferences, and other means. This collaboration allows for peer review, replication of experiments, and the synthesis of ideas from different researchers, which drives progress.
5. Technological Advancements: New tools and technologies (like more powerful microscopes, telescopes, or computational methods) enable scientists to make observations and conduct experiments that were previously impossible, leading to new discoveries and progress in various fields.

If Mary and the other scientists in the relevant context follow one or more of these theories (or have their own unique perspective), that would be the basis for answering the question. For example, if they align with Kuhn, their view might emphasize paradigm shifts; if with Popper, falsification as the key to progress.

Since we don't have the specific context here, we can only provide this general overview of how scientists typically describe scientific progress, which would be the starting point to answer the question once the context is known.