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Thomas Kuhn 1922-1996
Well known Philosopher of the 20th Century. Thomas Kuhn was pivotal on understanding a different role in which philosophy could have in regards to science. Believed science is more entwined with culture and historical context then we realize. Kuhn thought that science is influenced by factors like social class, politics, genders, racial bias, and other factors. This early thought process in some ways allowed to development of the sociology of science we see today. -
Graduated from Harvard
Summa Cum Laude -
Masters degree in Physics
Academic life started in physics -
Doctorate in Physics
Application of quantum mechanics to solid state physics -
Period: to
Teaching Historical case studies
Undergraduate class in humanities as a part of the general education in science curriculum.
This course that Thomas Kuhn taught was centered around historical case studies. Kuhn’s first opportunity to study historical scientific texts in detail. Studied the material of Aristotle and experienced bewilderment of how Aristotle viewed things. This led Kuhn to concentrate on history of science. -
Published the Copernican Revolution
While appointed as an assistant professor in general education and the history of science, he focused on 18th century matter theory and early history of thermodynamics. Shortly afterwards Kuhn turned his focus to the history of astronomy and published his first book:
The Copernican Revolution.
His first book that describes the paradigm shift from the earth centered view of the universe to the sun centered view of the universe. -
Professor at University of California Berkeley
In the philosophy department and was introduced to Wittgenstein and Paul Feyerabend. -
Published The Structure of Scientific Revolution
Most important work. Published in the series of “International Encyclopedia of Unified Science” Central idea is that the development of science is driven by: Paradigms
Paradigms: supply puzzles for scientists to solve and create the tools for their solutions -
Kuhn’s Phases
Phase one: “Normal Science”
- solving puzzles
- resolving anomalies
- making small advances/changes Phase two: “Model Crisis”
- anomalies add up and can’t be explained
- scientists are willing to try anything/engage in debate to resolve the problem Phase three: “The Model Revolution”
- new solutions and ways of thinking emerge to the crisis
- old way of thinking was so entrenched, it required a revolution to solve Phase four: “Paradigm Shift”
- New way of thinking replaces the old
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Social and Science
Social Structures within scientific communities and compared to other communities and society as a whole cannot be entirely separated from the product of science. Ie. Scientific theories and results are subject to bias unknown to certain individuals -
EX. Social Structures Influencing Science
Medical study conducted in 1981 analyzed heart disease in 22,000 men Did not want to include woman because it was thought to add too many variables Later studies found women present heart disease differently than men. Were not intentionally trying to be bias, but non the less they were -
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References
Bird, A. (2018a, October 31). Thomas Kuhn. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/ENTRIES/thomas-kuhn/ Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003). Theory and Reality: An introduction to the philosophy of science. University of Chicago Press.
