The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

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The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

• October 17, 2008

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The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

• Published in 1962
• Most cited 20th century book from 1976-1983.
• Times Literary Supplement one of the hundred
  most influential books since WWII.

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Overview

• Most science is normal science.

When examining normal sciencewe shall want
finally to describe that research as a strenuous
and devoted attempt to force nature into the
conceptual boxes supplied by professional
education. (5)
4
Overview

• Most science is normal science.
• Sometimes, normal science breaks down.

Normal science, for example, often suppresses
fundamental novelties because they are
necessarily subversive of its basic commitments.
(5)
5
Overview

• Most science is normal science.
• Sometimes, normal science breaks down.
• In response to this crisis, we get scientific
  revolutions.

whenthe profession can no longer evade
anomalies that subvert the existing tradtion of
scientific practice-then begin the extraordinary
investigations that lead the profession at last
to a new set of commitments, a new basis for the
practice of science. (6)
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A Different View of Science

• Science not determined by methodological rules.
• Rejection of the idea of a decisive experiment.
• Emphasis on the social aspects of science.
• Opposes the theory/fact dichotomy of
  Popper/Positivists.

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A Different Methodology

• Can historical fact have an impact on
  philosophical theory?

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Paradigms

• Paradigm as exemplar
• Paradigm as disciplinary matrix

A concrete achievement in science. E.g., Newtons
Principia, Copernicuss heliocentric model of the
galaxy, Franklins theory of electricity.
An entire way of doing science. E.g., a cluster
of problems, methods, theoretical principles,
metaphysical assumptions, evaluative standards
that are common to a community.
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Paradigms

• Normal science is characterized by commitment to
  a paradigm.

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Whats So Good About Paradigms?

• Fact-gathering made easier.
• Paradigms unify a science. Help scientists see
  the world the same way.
• No need to bicker about fundamentals.
• Provides a guide to future research.