Scientific Progress

[Mark Knowles]

I am rather critical of "ready-made" theories on VMS. In my opinion, there is currently no comprehensive theory that takes all aspects of the VMS sufficiently into account. It is not even certain in which direction a solution could basically go (e.g. code or natural language). The summary of the studies on partial aspects in the various camps still does not allow a final judgment to be made. Basic research is still the order of the day. This is the best way to expect incremental progress.

There doesn't need to be a comprehensive theory yet, partial theories can have some value. Uncertainty is part of the process and not something to be afraid of. It doesn't matter if a final judgment can't be made yet.
What do you mean by "Basic Research"?
Progress is not necessarily incremental in science or in other disciplines. Sometimes there are big changes or big advances and sometimes there are periods of stagnation where few advances are made. So I think to view research as slowly building brick upon brick is not an accurate view.