The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: 50th Anniversary Edition 4th Edition

by Thomas S. Kuhn (Author), Ian Hacking (Introduction)

205 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0226458120

ISBN-10: 0226458121

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A good book may have the power to change the way we see the world, but a great book actually becomes part of our daily consciousness, pervading our thinking to the point that we take it for granted, and we forget how provocative and challenging its ideas once were—and still are. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions is that kind of book. When it was first published in 1962, it was a landmark event in the history and philosophy of science. Fifty years later, it still has many lessons to teach.

With The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Kuhn challenged long-standing linear notions of scientific progress, arguing that transformative ideas don’t arise from the day-to-day, gradual process of experimentation and data accumulation but that the revolutions in science, those breakthrough moments that disrupt accepted thinking and offer unanticipated ideas, occur outside of “normal science,” as he called it. Though Kuhn was writing when physics ruled the sciences, his ideas on how scientific revolutions bring order to the anomalies that amass over time in research experiments are still instructive in our biotech age.

This new edition of Kuhn’s essential work in the history of science includes an insightful introduction by Ian Hacking, which clarifies terms popularized by Kuhn, including paradigm and incommensurability, and applies Kuhn’s ideas to the science of today. Usefully keyed to the separate sections of the book, Hacking’s introduction provides important background information as well as a contemporary context. Newly designed, with an expanded index, this edition will be eagerly welcomed by the next generation of readers seeking to understand the history of our perspectives on science.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: 50th Anniversary Edition

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Product Details

Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 4 edition (April 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0226458121
ISBN-13: 978-0226458120
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (205 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy
- #11 in Books > Textbooks > Reference > Encyclopedias
- #37 in Books > Science & Math > History & Philosophy

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A classic that is still very much worth reading

ByWayne P.on June 16, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

First, let me state the obvious - since Kuhn is talking about the philosophy of science, this is not light reading. That said, this book is as relevant as it was when it was first published - perhaps more so. Kuhn makes a well-reasoned argument that science is not an objective search for "truth," as many people believe. Instead, "normal science" is a problem solving endeavor, solving known problems by known methods. Science only changes the rules by which it operates (its "paradigm" - that over-used and often misused term in contemporary language) only when the current paradigm causes more problems than it solves. This is the real answer to any from any field who say, "The science is settled. There is no room for discussion." Those who make that statement need to re-read Kuhn and come to grips with the reality that all knowledge is inevitably socially constructed. If you read this in graduate school, it is worth revisiting. If you have never read it and you are ready for some deep thinking, dive in. You will find your horizons expanded, and that is a good thing.

11 comment 41 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

If you've used the word paradigm, you must read this book.

ByA customeron July 11, 1996

Format: Paperback

I read this book almost 30 years ago and still consider it one of the most profound texts I have read. It gives genuine insight into fundamental beliefs. I still cringe when I hear TQM speakers talk about paradigm shifts. People don't change paradigms like a pair of glasses, they change them about as easily as they might change into a new set of eyes. Persons of accomplishment have gotten where they are by mastering skills that fit into their understanding of the world around themselves. Is it so difficult to understand that they would be hesitant to start looking at the world in a new way and deny the world that gives value to their achievements. This is not a book about psychology. It is a book about the unavoidable consequences a being logical creatures. You really do need to read this book

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Re-readable, relevant, and revolutionary

ByKerri Laryeaon October 12, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Have you ever wondered what makes one scientific experiment considered a breakthrough while others simply place more pieces into the puzzle? Thomas Kuhn's book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, now in its 50th anniversary edition, withstands the test of time in its relevance to today's world of science. In addition to popularizing the phrase "paradigm shift", this book addresses the philosophy of science by questioning the assumption that scientific discovery is a linear progression toward the truth, as history might lead you to believe.

As the title suggests, this book thoughtfully presents a structure to scientific revolutions starting with an explanation of how "normal science" (versus great moments in science) operates to clarify an accepted model or pattern, which then serves to establish a paradigm. When the problem solving of normal science leads to anomalies that can no longer be explained within the established paradigm, crisis ensues. Finally, this crisis is resolved through the establishment of a new paradigm. Kuhn is clear that this structure of scientific revolutions is not a process leading toward the truth, but more of a process of evolution from "primitive beginnings." This book offers deep insight that applies beyond the field of science. You don't need to be a scientist to grasp the transformational thoughts presented by Kuhn.

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One of the most important books on science of the 20th Century and worth the work of reading it

ByAlexandra Hopkinson June 13, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is a classic, influential book in the field of the philosophy of science. I read it in 1966, when it was revolutionizing our understanding of science by introducing the notion of "scientific paradigms." I'm reading it now again and getting even more out of it.

I'm glad I'm getting a lot out of it because it's a hard read. Dry and with long, complex sentences that are a little too abstract for me. Fortunately, Kuhn includes a number of good examples from discoveries in physics and chemistry. Being familiar with these examples is key to helping me understand Kuhn's concepts. So, I Google the discoveries as needed.

I highly recommend this book as it gives much more understanding of how scientists work and what their results mean. I wish more people had the kind of understanding of the scientific method that one gets from this book.

0Comment 11 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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THE Paradigm Shift

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The book is great!

Published 21 days ago by Karla

This book is very philosophical. Its explain how the scientist not only doing research but create a paradigm.

Published 26 days ago by PeanutButterJam

Classic on the history and evolution of science

For years, I would browse the Structure of Scientific Revolutions and it was about time to give it a thorough read and now review.

Published 1 month ago by Bas Vodde

Great book, good quality

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer

I originally read the Structure of Scientific Revolutions in the early 1970's, and glad to see this work is still in print.

Published 1 month ago by MDCRABGUY

I happen to be a retired physicist (irreversible quantum statistical mechanics at the start, but later more fun with airplanes) who also studied medicine, genetics, and...Read more

Published 1 month ago by John T. Lowry

A must read for academics in all fields, natural/social sciences, humanities alike.

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I believe readers will find something useful for themselves

Just started to read this book, and inspired by some of the ideas. I believe readers will find something useful for themselves.

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Clean copy arrived promptly A classic.

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