Purchase Solution

Thomas Kuhn's Philosophy of Science

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Thomas Kuhn's work in the area of the philosophy of science is considered of great significance. Why is this so? In your discussion of Kuhn's ideas, explain what the following terms mean and their importance in Kuhn's thought:
paradigm
paradigm shift
normal science
anomaly
You also need to understand the scientific method in order to adequately address this question.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution is a comprehensive 1,213 word essay that explains and discusses the work and contribution of the philosopher Thomas Kuhn in the Philosophy of Science, the sciences (social & natural) and general knowledge. Particular elements of his philosophy are given attention to (paradigm shift, normal science, etc.) and is explained in relation to the scientific method. A word version of the solution is attached for easy download and printing. references are listed for expansion.

Solution Preview

Dear Student,
Hello. I hope that you are familiar with the Philosophy of Science and Thomas Kuhn's work. I understand how it could get a little daunting sometimes but not to worry, it is easy enough to understand. I hope the solution below helps. Good luck!

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
----------------------------------------------

Science, Knowledge & The Scientific Method

The philosophy of science seeks to understand the epistemological and ontological nature of knowledge - for philosophers of science, knowledge is a social construct, a repository and library of information, way of thinking and interrogating reality developed throughout human experience. There are varied 'philosophies' that seek to explain knowledge and the scientific construct. This is important because we now live in an age where science is the established basis of accepted truth known as the 'circle of knowledge'. Previous to this before the period of Enlightenment, Religion dictated what is true and what isn?t becoming the basis of all knowledge. All phenomenons that are beyond human comprehension are given a religious justification - miracles, Divine Will, etc. This goes for both the natural and the social sciences - the flowers bloom because God wills it, people die because it is in the divine plan. Socially, monarchs rule because of a 'Divine Mandate' and the order of society is due to some 'grand design' that will be revealed by God at the 'end of days' when the true purpose of all is revealed as human comprehension are said to be inadequate to understand that of the Divine. But that was before, after the great revolution in knowledge creation that was the Enlightenment, first beginning in the works of philosophers like Rene Descartes and Immanuel Kant, soon, the use of 'reason' replaced 'religion' and the 'scientific method' became the central element in knowledge inquiry and establishment of truths. In the natural sciences, they sought to find out 'universal laws' to explain the natural ...

Solution provided by:
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
Recent Feedback
  • "Thank you!:)"
  • "Excellent, thank you!:)"
  • "Thank you for your timely help. I have submitted another posting (656038) and assigned it directly to you. Please help."
  • "Thank you so much for your timely help. Much appreciated."
  • "Thanks so much for your support."
Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.