What is this thing called science? Ch. 8 (A)

(Originally written November 7, 2006 in Book 8)

What is this thing called science?
Alan Chalmers

Chapter 8 - Theories as structures in Kuhn's paradigms

[Theories as Structures]

Historical investigations of science prove that inductivism and falsificationism are inadequate to explain evolution and progress in science. To explain science more adequately one must look at theories as structures and as the framework of science.

Concepts derive their meaning from the role they play in any given theory.

[Introducing Thomas Kuhn]

Thomas Kuhn challenged inductivism and falsificationism in his book The Structure of Scientific Revolution in 1962.

Kuhn focused on the history of science to explain the knowledge in science and saw inductivism and falsificationism were inadequate.

He focused on the nature of scientific revolutions. He also focused on the sociological characteristics of scientific communities.

Kuhn's science progress model:
1. Pre-Science
2. Normal Science
3. Crisis
4. Revolution
5. New Normal Science
6. New Crisis

A paradigm is composed of general theoretical assumptions, laws and techniques that a given scientific community has adopted.

Normal science is a science dictated by a specific paradigm.

In operating in a paradigm normal science will face numerous falsifications. If it becomes too serious a crisis will occur.

A crisis is resolved when a new paradigm emerges. This is a scientific revolution.

[Paradigms and Normal Science]

A single operating paradigm distinguishes normal science from non-science.

Each paradigm will possess explicit, fundamental laws and theories.

Paradigms will have standard ways of applying the fundamental laws in experimentation.

Paradigms will possess techniques and procedures for experiments.

A general, metaphysical set of assumptions will also be contained in a paradigm.

Vague general methodologies will also be involved in any paradigm.

Normal science's aim is matching a paradigm with the way nature actually operates.

Normal science is puzzle-solving activities governed by the rules of a paradigm.

Puzzles within a given paradigm that are insolvable are anomalies.

Kuhn recognize anomalies, but rejects all forms of falsificationism.

Normal scientists must accept a paradigm. Acceptance of a paradigm distinguishes normal science from pre-science.

Kuhn admits it is impossible to precisely describe or define a paradigm.

Scientists in any field which accepts a paradigm will be able to articulate basics of that paradigm and despite being able to articulate the whole precise nature of that paradigm it is still a vital and necessary part of science.

[Crisis and Revolution]

PP 112 - 173 need to be done. I need a quick nap. God help me to wake at 4 am and finish!