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Born - Early Childhood
Thomas Kuhn, a renowned philosopher of science, was born on July 18, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, Samuel Kuhn, was an industrial engineer, and his mother, Minette Stroock Kuhn, was a graduate of Vassar College. Growing up in an intellectually stimulating environment, Kuhn developed a keen interest in science and learning from an early age. -
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Childhood - Early Adulthood
During his childhood, Kuhn attended a private progressive school where he excelled academically. His family's emphasis on education and critical thinking played a significant role in shaping his intellectual development. By the time he reached high school, Kuhn had developed a strong aptitude for mathematics and science, which guided his academic pursuits. -
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College Life
In 1940, Kuhn entered Harvard University, initially majoring in physics. At Harvard, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics, graduating summa cum laude in 1943. This period marked the beginning of Kuhn's transition from physics to the philosophy of science, as his experiences and interactions at Harvard laid the groundwork for his later revolutionary ideas in scientific theory. -
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Early Career
From 1946 to 1957, Thomas Kuhn transitioned from physics to the history and philosophy of science. After completing his Ph.D. in physics at Harvard in 1949, he taught a class on science's historical development, sparking his interest in the history of science. This period included his tenure at Harvard, his Guggenheim Fellowship, and his work on the Copernican Revolution. His experiences during these years led to his seminal work. -
Scientific Breakthrough
In 1962, Thomas Kuhn published his groundbreaking book, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." This work introduced the concept of "paradigm shifts" in scientific progress, arguing that science does not progress linearly but through a series of revolutionary changes. It remains one of Kuhn's most influential contributions, reshaping our understanding of how scientific knowledge evolves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C99X-Ye-GB0 -
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Later Life Until Death
• 1964: Joined Princeton University, becoming a Professor of Philosophy and History of Science.
• 1979: Moved to MIT as the Laurence S. Rockefeller Professor of Philosophy.
• 1982: Published "A Function for Thought Experiments," expanding on his earlier ideas.
• 1990s: Continued lecturing and contributing to the philosophy of science.
• 1996: Passed away on June 17, leaving a lasting legacy in the philosophy of science.