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Kuhn's early achievements/contributions (1940 - 1943)
Thomas Kuhn was a Harvard graduate, but it was not an easy start. Kuhn's first exam resulted in a C grade. Nervous, the young scholar asked his professor if he had any future in Physics. His professor encouraged him to study the problems more thoroughly, which was precisely what he did. Kuhn achieved an A at the end of the year. WWII began Kuhn's Sophomore year and he decided to take summer classes to expedite his education, graduating with highest honor. -
Foreshadowing
Thomas Kuhn became intrigued by philosophy. He believed it offered a degree of enlightenment. In 1947 (same year the Air Force was established, but I am sure you remember that), he presented a History of Science course to undergraduates at Harvard. Kuhn realized he was not able to comprehend the ideas of motion described by Aristotle in his Physics. Kuhn's modern degree in physics acted as a barrier. Kuhn compared Aristotle’s ideas based on a perspective from Newtonian standpoint. -
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
In 1962, Thomas Kuhn published his book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn reflected on how Aristotle reached his scientific conclusions which were so different from the standards accepted in the 20th century. Kuhn considered the frameworks and mechanics of Aristotle in comparison to Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. The changes in the accepted foundations of science was what led Kuhn to develop paradigm shifts. -
Constant Shifts in the Paradigm 1975 - 21st Century
Thomas Kuhn questioned many of the different paradigms previously set in place. Kuhn also broke the tunnel vision many scientists had in furthering existing paradigms rather than focusing on the breadth and developing new paradigms. As Kuhn's theories gained momentum, other scientists expanded upon his works. Kuhn did not intend for his theories to encourage a philosophy of anarchist science. Paul Feyerabend was one of the philosophers of science who supported the anarchy science.
