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The early life of Thomas Kuhn 1922- 1940
Thomas Kuhn was an American Philosopher. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and later around the mid 1930's attended the Hessian Hills School in New York. This school encouraged students to think for themselves which Kuhn saw as a positive thing. After that he moved on to The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. It was at this school where Kuhn unveiled his zest for physics and mathematics. -
Harvard and transition to the Philosophy of Science 1940- 1943
Kuhn Graduated from The Taft School in 1940, after that he attended Harvard University. Kuhn Went on to graduate from Harvard in 1943 with a B.S in Physics but during his time in Harvard he became a "Harvard Junior Fellow". This lasted for three years and played a crucial role in him switching from Physics to History and Philosophy of Science. -
The greatest contribution of Thomas Kuhn 1962
Thomas Kuhn's greatest contribution was his idea of paradigm shifts. The term Paradigm shift was first coined in his book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions". His idea describes what happens in a Scientific Revolution. It also describes how our current understanding is liable to change if we encounter a build up of abnormalities that challenge an accepted theory. His idea holds weight and provides us with an understanding of how our views regarding everything have evolved over time. -
Towards the end 1978- 1996
Thomas Kuhn was married to Kathryn Muhs until 1978. By this time he had three children with her. He later married Jehane Barton Burns. In 1982, he was awarded the "George Sarton Medal" by The History of Science Society. This medal is the most prestigious award that The History of Science Society gives. Twelve years after receiving this award he was Diagnosed with lung cancer. This would result in the loss of a brilliant man. A part of him still lives on today in his work. -
Citation
Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1962. Print. -
