The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (50th Anniversary Edition)

by Kuhn, Thomas S.; Hacking, Ian

• ISBN13: 9780226458120
• ISBN10: 0226458121
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780226458144
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780226458083, 9780226458113
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-04-30
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: 50th Anniversary Edition

ISBN: 9780226458120

About the Book

"The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas S. Kuhn is a seminal work in the history of science that has been a cornerstone for understanding the nature of scientific progress. This 50th Anniversary Edition, published by the University of Chicago Press, offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how scientific knowledge evolves over time.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars in the fields of history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of knowledge. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of scientific revolutions and how they shape our understanding of the world. Educators and researchers in these fields often rely on this book to provide a deep dive into the historical and philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry.

History and Editions

The first edition of "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" was published in 1962, and since then, it has undergone several revisions. The 50th Anniversary Edition, released in 2012, includes an insightful introduction by Ian Hacking, which clarifies terms popularized by Kuhn. This edition also features an expanded index, making it easier for readers to navigate the complex ideas presented in the book.

Author and Other Works

Thomas S. Kuhn was a renowned American philosopher and historian of science. His work had a profound impact on how we understand scientific progress and the role of paradigms in shaping scientific inquiry. Kuhn's other notable works include "The Essential Tension: Selected Studies in Scientific Tradition and Change" and "Black-Body Theory and the Quantum Discontinuity, 1894-1912."

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a detailed analysis of how scientific knowledge is constructed and how it undergoes significant transformations over time.
• Paradigm Shifts: Kuhn's concept of paradigms is central to the book, explaining how these frameworks influence scientific inquiry and lead to revolutions in scientific thought.
• Historical Context: The book offers a rich historical context, exploring how scientific theories have evolved from ancient times to modern science.
• Philosophical Insights: It delves into the philosophical aspects of science, discussing the nature of scientific truth and how it is established.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780226458120
• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780226458120
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780226458120 (Note: This eBook ISBN is for the digital version of the book, but it does not specify a particular platform.)

Publication Details

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Date: April 30, 2012
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• First Edition: Published in 1962
• Second Edition: Published in 1970
• Third Edition: Published in 1996
• Fourth Edition: Published in 2012 (This is the 50th Anniversary Edition)

Related ISBNs:

• 0226458121 (Hardcover)
• 0226458121 (Paperback)
• 0226458121 (eBook)

Note: The eBook ISBN listed is for the digital version of the book and does not specify a particular platform.

Author Biography

Thomas S. Kuhn (1922-96) was the Laurence Rockefeller Professor Emeritus of linguistics and philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His books include The Essential Tension; Black-Body Theory and the Quantum Discontinuity, 1894-19l2; and The Copernican Revolution.

Table of Contents

Introductory Essay	p. vii
Preface	p. xxxix
Introduction: A Role for History	p. 1
The Route to Normal Science	p. 10
The Nature of Normal Science	p. 23
Normal Science as Puzzle-solving	p. 35
The Priority of Paradigms	p. 43
Anomaly and the Emergence of Scientific Discoveries	p. 52
Crisis and the Emergence of Scientific Theories	p. 66
The Response to Crisis	p. 77
The Nature and Necessity of Scientific Revolutions	p. 92
Revolutions as Changes of World View	p. 111
The Invisibility of Revolutions	p. 135
The Resolution of Revolutions	p. 143
Progress through Revolutions	p. 159
Postscript-1969	p. 173
Index	p. 209
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