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Essay on Thomas S. Kuhn "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions"
Thomas S. Kuhn “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions”
According to Kuhn, “normal science” (Kuhn, 1970) means research firmly based on past achievement, which, for some particular scientific community, supplies the foundation for its further practice. The closely related term paradigm is used for achievement both
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“Unprecedented enough to attract an enduring group of adherents away from competing modes of scientific activity; and
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Open-ended enough to leave all sorts of problems for the redefined group of practitioners to resolve” (Hazel, 1992).
In other words, a paradigm represents a particular, coherent tradition of scientific research. People with research based on a shared paradigm are committed to the same rules and standards for scientific practice.
Therefore a paradigm approach makes for great efficiency. It ends having to constantly reiterate the fundamentals. Instead, one can begin where the textbook leaves off. It inspires a confidence that this is the way to go, encouraging more precise, knowledgeable, or consuming work. Its high focus compels investigation of some part of nature in a detail or depth otherwise unimaginable. Problems are solved that would scarcely be imagined possible that would not even have been undertaken without commitment to the paradigm.
Because working within a paradigm provides such a stable base, one can study interrelations within the field better, and there can be greater harmony among workers in different sub fields. It is easier to recognize where there is need for more study or better understanding. In sum, there is greater progress not only because of the intense focus provided, but also because of the basic consensus within the committed group.
If the paradigm concept plays such a role in the advancement of science, it should be more often recognized for what it is. One possible example, where there is now real polarization, relates to the abrupt vs. gradual origin of the major diversity in living things (and of astronomical entities).....
