Thomas Kuhn

By Brandon2042

  • BORN

    Thomas Kuhn was born in Cincinnati Ohio.

  • Bachelors

    obtains a bachelors degree in physics.

  • masters

    obtains a masters degree in physics.

  • Begins Teaching

    Thomas Kuhn begins teaching the philosophy of science In the same school he graduated from, Harvard University. he then moved on to the university of California (1956-1964), Princeton university(1964-1979), and then Massachusetts Institute of Technology(1979-1991).

  • The Copernican Revolution

    Thomas Kuhn's first book, "The Copernican Revolution," explained the heliocentrism theory, which posited that the sun was at the center of the solar system and that the planets orbited around it. This work was written during the Renaissance era, a time of discovery and exploration of new beliefs. This allowed him to freely exercise his beliefs with more acceptance than before. With the help of his book, astronomers were able to better comprehend our solar system and the universe as whole.

  • The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

    in Kuhn's second book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" he introduced the concept of "paradigm shifts" which still influence science today. he believed that science experiences phases through which it progresses, and highly encourages them. eventually, a new way of thinking would replace the old, which in turn would help to solve a theory. This also helped science get out of the slumps that it experienced throughout its cycle.

  • The Essential Tension

    Kuhn's essay describes two different approaches to scientific thinking: divergent and convergent thought. He argued them to be equally necessary for the development of science. However, their different views also resulted in a clash within the community. This, coupled with paradigm shifts, created challenges but also a revolutionary solution for the advancement of science.

  • the Quantum Discontinuity

    Thomas Kuhn wrote an essay on his thought and theories of quantum physics.

  • ends teaching

    Kuhn ends his teaching career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

  • DIES

    Thomas Kuhn will later die at the age of 73 at Cambridge Massachusetts.