B.5:2 - Problem

A hypothesis-led inquiry has a productive structure: propose an explanation, derive consequences and compare them with observations. Trouble begins when this structure is made the only permissible form of reasoning. Constructing a mathematical object, finding a counterexample, exploring a phenomenon or discovering that the intended quantity is not recoverable can change the question before an explanatory hypothesis is appropriate.

A second difficulty survives even when result production becomes cheap. More proofs, simulations or candidate designs do not by themselves say which questions matter, what an argument explains, or which construction should be developed. The inquiry needs ways to inspect and change its own formulation and repertoire while retaining adequate results.