Lecture 4: philosophy of Kuhn and social science

Question 1

definition paradigm

Answer 1

universally recognized scientific achievement that, for a time, provide model problems and solutions for a community of practitioners

Question 2

difference normal science and paradigm change

Answer 2

normal science:
- constant but small changes
- occurs during stable periods in between moment of crisis/revolution
paradigm change:
- drastic shift away from normality

Question 3

meaning puzzle-solving (Kuhn)

Answer 3

• used in normal science
• aren’t deep problems with the paradigm
• reinforce the existing paradigm

Question 4

3 phenomena that aren’t crisis-inducing (doesn’t cause a paradigm shift)

Answer 4

1. some new phenomena fits in, but isn’t destructive to existing scientific paradigm
2. some new phenomena isn’t previously known and there fills in a new theoretical space
3. some new phenomena might link groups of lower theories together

Question 5

definition anomaly

Answer 5

is a puzzle that resists a solution

• all paradigms face some anomalies at a given time
• tend to accumulate
• if anomalies cause researchers to lose faith in their field: a crisis ensues

Question 6

characteristics of paradigm changes

Answer 6

• paradigm choice is made by the community of scientists
• involves a transfer of allegiance of scientists
• it’s a conversion experience witch can’t be forced
• accomplished by persuasive argumentation, not by evidence or proof
• it isn’t cumulative: new paradigm replaces the previous one

Question 7

opinion popper vs kuhn on paradigms

Answer 7

popper:

• good scientist is always open-minded to all issues in a field
• scientific progress is cumulative

kuhn:

• scientists should take fundamentals of paradigm as given so progress can be made on the details
• scientific is cumulative WITHIN the paradigm

Kuhn’s critics on Popper:
- ???

Question 8

three interpretations of ‘paradigm’

Answer 8

Paradigm 1 –Single dominant framework (i.e., world view)
Paradigm 2 –Distinct scientific community with own institutional foundation
Paradigm 3 –Different schools of thought, theoretical perspectives within larger community