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Thomas Samuel Kuhn Birth
Thomas Samuel Kuhn, a highly influential philosopher of science recognized for his groundbreaking research on the nature of scientific revolutions, was born on July 18, 1922. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. "Thomas Samuel Kuhn." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2022, www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Samuel-Kuhn. -
Bachelor's Degree
Thomas Samuel Kuhn earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Harvard College in 1943. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. "Thomas Samuel Kuhn." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2022, www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Samuel-Kuhn. -
World War II
During World War II, Thomas S. Kuhn served in the United States Army as part of the military effort. His specific roles and contributions during this time period are not extensively documented in the context of his academic career. Kuhn primarily focused on his studies and later pursued a career in academia, particularly in the history and philosophy of science. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. Military Service during World War II. -
Master's Degree
Thomas Samuel Kuhn earned his Master's degree in physics from Harvard University. Cite:Thomas S. "Thomas Samuel Kuhn." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2022, www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Samuel-Kuhn. -
Married Jehane Barton Burns
Thomas S. Kuhn married Jehane Barton Burns Thomas Kuhn was married twice, first to Kathryn Muhs with whom he had three children, then to Jehane Barton Burns (Jehane B. Kuhn). Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962. -
Ph.D. Harvard University
Thomas Samuel Kuhn earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. "Thomas Samuel Kuhn." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2022, www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Samuel-Kuhn. -
The Copernican Revolution
The Copernican Revolution is a 1957 book by the philosopher Thomas Kuhn, in which the author provides an analysis of the Copernican Revolution, documenting the pre-Ptolemaic understanding through the Ptolemaic system and its variants until the eventual acceptance of the Keplerian system. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. The Copernican Revolution: Planetary Astronomy in the Development of Western Thought. Harvard University Press, 1957 -
Historiographical Debate (1960s-present)
Kuhn's work sparked debates within the history and philosophy of science community regarding the nature of scientific progress. Some scholars critiqued Kuhn's characterization of scientific development as overly discontinuous, while others praised his emphasis on the social and cognitive aspects of scientific change. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962. -
Interdisciplinary Debates (1960s-present)
Kuhn's ideas also sparked interdisciplinary debates beyond the philosophy of science. Sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, and scholars from other disciplines have engaged with Kuhn's concepts to explore how scientific knowledge is constructed, validated, and changed over time. These debates often focus on the social, cultural, and cognitive factors that influence scientific practice and the adoption of new scientific paradigms. Cite: -
M. Taylor Pyne Professor of the History of Science at Princeton University
Thomas S. Kuhn was appointed as the M. Taylor Pyne Professor of the History of Science at Princeton University in 1964. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. Appointed M. Taylor Pyne Professor of the History of Science, Princeton University. -
Debate with Karl Popper
Popper and Kuhn both recognized the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge but differed in their explanations of how theories change. In contrast, Kuhn focused on broader paradigms and scientific communities, arguing that scientific change occurs through revolutionary shifts in underlying frameworks. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962. -
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Book
Kuhn's central thesis challenges the traditional view of science as a steady, cumulative accumulation of knowledge. Instead, he argues that scientific development is characterized by abrupt, revolutionary changes called paradigm shifts. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962. -
Sources for History of Quantum Physics: An Inventory and Report. American Philosophical Society
Thomas S. Kuhn's work titled "Sources for History of Quantum Physics: An Inventory and Report" was published by the American Philosophical Society in 1967. This publication serves as a valuable resource for scholars interested in the historical development and primary sources related to quantum physics. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. Sources for History of Quantum Physics: An Inventory and Report. American Philosophical Society, 1967. -
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The Road Since Structure: Philosophical Essays
"The Road Since Structure: Philosophical Essays" is a collection of essays written by philosopher Thomas S. Kuhn. Kuhn is well-known for his work in the philosophy of science, particularly his influential book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," published in 1962. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. The Road Since Structure: Philosophical Essays. University of Chicago Press, 2000. -
Debate with Feyerabend
The debates between Kuhn and Feyerabend highlighted fundamental disagreements about the nature of scientific knowledge and methodology. Kuhn, while recognizing the importance of paradigms in scientific communities, emphasized the structured evolution of scientific knowledge through paradigm shifts and revolutions. Cite:Feyerabend, Paul. Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge. Verso, 1975. -
The Essential Tension: Selected Studies in Scientific Tradition and Change
Thomas S. Kuhn, published in 1977. This work explores various themes related to the history and philosophy of science, including the dynamics of scientific change, the role of paradigms, and the tensions between tradition and innovation in scientific inquiry. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. The Essential Tension: Selected Studies in Scientific Tradition and Change. University of Chicago Press, 1977. -
Awarded Howard T. Behrman Award
Thomas S. Kuhn was awarded the Howard T. Behrman Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities by Princeton University in 1982. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to scholarship and intellectual discourse in the humanities. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. Howard T. Behrman Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities, Princeton University, 1982. -
Black-Body Theory and the Quantum Discontinuity
"Black-Body Theory and the Quantum Discontinuity" is a significant work by Thomas S. Kuhn, published in 1978. In this book, Kuhn explores the historical development and implications of black-body radiation theory and its role in the emergence of quantum mechanics. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. Black-Body Theory and the Quantum Discontinuity, 1894-1912. Oxford University Press, 1978. -
President of History of Science Society
Thomas Kuhn served as the President of the History of Science Society (HSS) for the year 1981-1982. During his tenure, Kuhn contributed significantly to the society's activities and discussions, reflecting his prominent role and influence in the field of history and philosophy of science. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. President of the History of Science Society, 1981-1982. -
George Sarton Medal
Thomas S. Kuhn's life was his receipt of the George Sarton Medal in the History of Science in 1982. This award recognized Kuhn's significant contributions to the field of history of science, particularly for his work on paradigm shifts and scientific revolutions. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962. -
Awarded the John Desmond Bernal Prize
Thomas S. Kuhn was awarded the John Desmond Bernal Prize in 1982. This prestigious award is given by the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) to individuals for distinguished contributions to the field of social studies of science. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. Awarded the John Desmond Bernal Prize, 1982. -
Retired in MIT
Thomas S. Kuhn retired from his position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1991. Cite:Kuhn, Thomas S. The Road Since Structure: Philosophical Essays. University of Chicago Press, 2000. -
Thomas Kuhn Dies
Thomas S. Kuhn passed away on June 17, 1996. Thomas S. Kuhn's ideas continue to inspire and provoke thought, making him a seminal figure in the study of science and its role in society. His legacy remains a vibrant part of intellectual discourse and continues to shape the way we understand scientific progress and change. Cite: Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962.