Research Papers on the Structure of the Scientific Revolution
A scientific revolution takes place with a set of steps occuring that replace old ideas with new ones. If you need a research paper on the structure of the scientific revolution, have Paper Masters custom write your project. Below you see an example on how Thomas Kuhn explicates scientific revolutions and his ideas on the steps that a revolution in science goes through.
In Thomas Kuhn’s estimation a scientific revolution occurs through a series of steps. Initially a paradigm exists with scientific experimentation revolving around the accepted paradigm. Kuhn applies the term “normal” science to this extension of the current paradigm. As the experimentation continues, the depth of experimentation increases and begins to expose anomalies between expected results and actual results. In fact the precision of the equipment used to perform the experiments allows the scientist to observe anomalies. A scientific discovery of this type represents one root cause of a scientific revolution. Destruction of the old paradigm and construction of the new paradigm characterized the dual nature of a paradigm change.
The invention of new theories consists an even greater impact on science than scientific discovery in the following ways:
- The anomalies require adjustment of the existing paradigm.
- The buildup of anomalies creates a sense of insecurity among scientists.
- Potential reversion to the old paradigm exposes the existence of a crisis.
- The entrenchment of scientists supporting the old paradigm also evolves from an aversion to changing the “normal” science regulating their work.
- This set of circumstances leads to the development of numerous theories to explain the existing paradigm. The slow acceptance of the new paradigm eventually leads to extraordinary research.
- Extraordinary compared to the research of normal science.
- Until an alternative paradigm develops the existing paradigm remains in place.
Generally a young scientist or a scientist inexperienced in the particular branch of scientist suggests a new paradigm. The new paradigm represents a non-cumulative leap of science. No overlap exists between supporters of the old paradigm and supports of the new paradigm, so each group presents circular arguments proving their own paradigm. The cumulative characteristic normal-scientific tradition contrasts sharply with the non-cumulative characteristic of scientific revolution.