chapter 8.2 Flashcards
Scientific theories
are large-scale systems of ideas about natural phenomena, more general and more elaborate units of knowledge than individual hypotheses typally are, and with much more evidence to support them.
The most significant Scientific breakthroughs
have been changes in worldview; they involve comprehensive revision to how background or auxiliary assumptions, data, and ideas are combined and thus which scientific theory is supported.
Scientific revolution
a radical change of a reigning theory being overturned in favor of a new theory, often involving an alternative worldview. Scientific revolutions dont just change which scientific theories are accepted; they also influence the fundamentals of science itself, such as how to interpret evidence, which scientific procedures are accepted and often the socian and institutional structure of science, such as who is acceptable as a scientific authority
Pre-paradigmatic (kuhn)
first phase of science. This is characterized by the existence of different schools of thought that debat very basic assumptions, including research methods and the nature and significance of data.
Normal science (khun)
One school of thought begins to solve puzzles and problems in ways that seem successful enough to draw adherents away fro other approaches
Paradigm (khun)
Broadly conceived a paradigm is just a way of practicing science. It supplies scientists with a stock of assumptions about the world, concepts and symbols that they can use to more effectively communicate
Crisis
occurs when more and more scientists lose confidence in the reigning theory in the face of mounting anomalies
Thomas khun four stage view of scientific chane
1) Pre-paradigmatic science (Different schools of thought debate basic assumptions)
2) Normal science (A paradigm is accepted, and work research is devoted to puzzle-solving)
3) Crisis (Scientists lose confidence in the reigning theory in the face of anomalies)
4) Revolution (one paradigm is rejected in favor of a new one)
