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Conceptualizing paradigms: on reading Kuhn's history of the quantum.
- Source :
-
Annals of Science . Jul2022, Vol. 79 Issue 3, p386-405. 20p. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- In this article, I discuss the criticisms raised against Thomas Kuhn's Black-Body Theory. These criticisms concern two issues: how to understand Planck's position with regards to the quantization of energy in 1901, and how to understand the book's relation to The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Both criticisms, I argue, concern the notion of a paradigm: the first concerns how Boltzmann acted as an exemplar for Planck, and the second whether the book provides a paradigm change. I will then argue that both criticisms presume a conceptualization of paradigms that does not align well with Kuhn's conceptualization of it in both Structure and later work: they assume, more specifically, that sharing a paradigm presupposes sharing an interpretation of it, and that paradigm changes are essentially identical to gestalt switches. On the basis of this, I will then argue that the criticisms are misguided, that Kuhn's position regarding Planck's work is in fact quite close to the indetermination-view developed by some of his critics, and that the book fits Structure quite well. In conclusion, I will then reflect on how the narrative provided in Black-Body Theory connects with Kuhn's views on the relation between history and philosophy of science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00033790
- Volume :
- 79
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Annals of Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 158144603
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00033790.2022.2063945