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<p>This book review examines Alexander Krauss’s ‘The engine of scientific discovery’, which introduces a ‘methods-driven discovery theory’ that challenges the traditional frameworks of Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn. Krauss argues that methodological innovations and new tools—rather than theoretical shifts or serendipity—are the primary catalysts for scientific breakthroughs. While acknowledging the book’s empirical foundation based on over 750 scientific discoveries, this review evaluates Krauss’s premise through the lens of the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP). Applied to the science of science, the AKP posits that scientific breakthroughs require the simultaneous fulfillment of multiple interconnected prerequisites (as Krauss also stresses while placing tools at the center stage). The review concludes that while methodological innovation must be contextualized within a broader, multi-factorial configuration, Krauss’s work remains a highly valuable contribution to the science of science field by justifiably elevating the role of tool innovation in understanding scientific progress.</p>

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Book review: The engine of scientific discovery

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月9日

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  • Lutz Bornmann

摘要

This book review examines Alexander Krauss’s ‘The engine of scientific discovery’, which introduces a ‘methods-driven discovery theory’ that challenges the traditional frameworks of Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn. Krauss argues that methodological innovations and new tools—rather than theoretical shifts or serendipity—are the primary catalysts for scientific breakthroughs. While acknowledging the book’s empirical foundation based on over 750 scientific discoveries, this review evaluates Krauss’s premise through the lens of the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP). Applied to the science of science, the AKP posits that scientific breakthroughs require the simultaneous fulfillment of multiple interconnected prerequisites (as Krauss also stresses while placing tools at the center stage). The review concludes that while methodological innovation must be contextualized within a broader, multi-factorial configuration, Krauss’s work remains a highly valuable contribution to the science of science field by justifiably elevating the role of tool innovation in understanding scientific progress.