Rittmann’s heritage: A philosophical approach for current research

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.