Kuhn, Thomas and Scientific Paradigms

TY - ENCYC

T1 - Kuhn, Thomas and Scientific Paradigms

AU - Wray, K. Brad

PY - 2021/6

Y1 - 2021/6

N2 - This article describes Thomas Kuhn’s theory of science with special attention to the role played by paradigms and paradigm changes. After discussing the ambiguities in the concept “paradigm”, it distinguishes between three senses of paradigm: the paradigm as exemplar, the paradigm as theory; and the paradigm as disciplinary matrix. It then examines the impact that the concepts had in the social sciences, with special attention to sociology. Finally, it discusses Kuhn’s later views on science, where he conceptualizes what he called paradigm changes as lexical changes. It also discusses the fate of the paradigm concept.

AB - This article describes Thomas Kuhn’s theory of science with special attention to the role played by paradigms and paradigm changes. After discussing the ambiguities in the concept “paradigm”, it distinguishes between three senses of paradigm: the paradigm as exemplar, the paradigm as theory; and the paradigm as disciplinary matrix. It then examines the impact that the concepts had in the social sciences, with special attention to sociology. Finally, it discusses Kuhn’s later views on science, where he conceptualizes what he called paradigm changes as lexical changes. It also discusses the fate of the paradigm concept.

KW - Thomas Kuhn

KW - paradigms

KW - paradigm change

KW - scientific revolution

KW - theory change

U2 - 10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosk016.pub2

DO - 10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosk016.pub2

M3 - Encyclopedia entry

SN - 9781405124331

BT - The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology

A2 - Ritzer, George

A2 - Rojek, Chris

PB - Wiley

ER -