Thomas Kuhn (1922 - 1996)

Birth

Jul 18, 1922

Thomas Samuel Kuhn was born on July 18, 1922.

Thomas Kuhn PhD

1943

Kuhn graduated from Harvard in 1943 and earned his master's degree in physics in 1946. Kuhn continued his education during the war years and completed his doctorate in 1949. Kuhn grew interest in the history of science and further educated himself in the topic throughout the following years.

Professor Kuhn

1961

Kuhn became a professor at University of California Berkeley in 1961. This is where his interest in the philosophy of science grew. This is the beginning of Kuhn making a scientific revolution.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

1962

Kuhn published his book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" in 1962. This is where Kuhn was criticized about the different topics that he discusses within his book.

Paradigm Shift

1962

Kuhn established a paradigm shift that created a different point of view on how everyone comprehends science. His concept of paradigm shift can be described as a more advanced way of thinking and it brought more complex discussion to the table. This way of thinking showed that there was more than just problem solving in science. Kuhn showed people that taking a different approach to solve a scientific issue is beneficial. It is okay to think outside the box.

Incommensurability

1962

Incommensurability is just one of the topics that Kuhn established in his book. Kuhn talks about the factors that had a huge influence on scientific research and topics including social class, politics, gender, and racial bias. His belief was that there was no proper communication between people that had different paradigms. Kuhn argued that these paradigm groups tend to bring their own standards as evidence making them not wanting to concede to each other.

Death

1996

Thomas Kuhn passed away in his home in Massachusetts after battling cancer.

Contribution to the Philosophy of Science (Present)

2021

Thomas Kuhn's theory of science made a huge impact on how scientists view their work and the world to this day. His work did not attract as much attention back then and he also had a lot of negative feedbacks but throughout time, many people started to appreciate and really see the importance of his work. He showed people that there are always other factors that can be taken into consideration when it comes to scientific research. Kuhn showed the importance of having an open mind.