Kuhn, Thomas and Scientific Paradigms

K. Brad Wray

doi:10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosk016.pub2

Kuhn, Thomas and Scientific Paradigms

K. Brad Wray

Department of Mathematics - Science Studies

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/proceeding › Encyclopedia entry › Research › peer-review

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology
Editors	George Ritzer, Chris Rojek
Number of pages	3
Publisher	Wiley
Publication date	Jun 2021
Edition	2
ISBN (Print)	9781405124331
ISBN (Electronic)	9781405165518
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosk016.pub2 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405165518
Publication status	Published - Jun 2021

Keywords

Thomas Kuhn
paradigms
paradigm change
scientific revolution
theory change

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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.

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KW - paradigm change

KW - scientific revolution

KW - theory change

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ER -

Kuhn, Thomas and Scientific Paradigms

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Keywords

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