ABSTRACT We present an interdisciplinary study between philosophy and science that uses a historical case to show some aspects of scientific research. The case in question is that of Alfred F. Rittmann (1893–1980), known as one of the central figures of twentieth-century volcanology. After outlining Rittmann’s scientific background and hypotheses, we briefly examine the set of his theories using Thomas Kuhn’s model of the development of science. We highlight the methodology of multiple working hypotheses and how they contributed to defining his geoscientific paradigm, namely, magmatological tectonics. Rittmann worked on his paradigm throughout his life, even making little-known criticisms on plate tectonics. We present some of them, contextualizing them in twentieth-century as well as current research. His use of multiple working hypotheses, along with his drive to search for synthetic visions between different models, could be a stimulating and pluralistic approach to unsolved geoscientific questions.

Abstract This short article provides my views – and not necessarily views that are shared by the British Geological Survey, where I was executive director from 2006–19, or by the Earth science community in general. I have outlined some of the trends that I see as important for the geosciences, largely from a solid-Earth perspective. I stress that fundamental discovery science in this sector must be, and will largely continue to be, led by the academic community but that Earth sciences research needs to be more focused on problem solving rather than refining our knowledge of the problems that face the Earth system. Academics and government laboratories have distinct but complementary roles in the pursuit of discovery and in applied geoscience research and training of geoscientists.