World Changes: Thomas Kuhn and the Nature of Science

Thomas Kuhn is perhaps the most widely known and influential philosopher of science of our time. Inspired by his contributions, these twelve original essays address central aspects of Kuhn's thoughtThomas Kuhn is perhaps the most widely known and influential philosopher of science of our time. His book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions called into question such central notions of scientific method as the concept of absolute truth, the observation/theory distinction, the determinate rationality of theory choice, and the normative function of philosophy of science. Kuhn's critique turned several fields upside down and continues to be read and debated not only by philosophers and historians of science but also by many practicing scientists. Inspired by his contributions, these twelve original essays address central aspects of Kuhn's thought. Most of the essays are philosophical, four are primarily historical, and one, by Kuhn himself, responds to issues raised in the other essays.