The following text discusses philosophy of science.
Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962) challenged the view that science progresses through steady accumulation of truth. Kuhn argued that science operates within "paradigms"—shared frameworks of theory, method, and problems. Normal science works within paradigms, but anomalies accumulate until a crisis triggers a "paradigm shift" to a fundamentally different framework. Critics objected that Kuhn made science seem irrational, but he later clarified that paradigms can be compared, even if not against neutral, objective standards. His work permanently changed how we understand scientific change.
What was Kuhn's main contribution to understanding science?
Proving that science never changes
Showing that scientific progress involves paradigm shifts rather than just accumulation
Demonstrating that science is entirely irrational
Developing new laboratory techniques
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Kuhn "challenged the view that science progresses through steady accumulation of truth" and introduced "paradigm shifts"—fundamental framework changes.
- Evidence: Paradigm shifts instead of accumulation.
- Reasoning: Revolutionary changes, not just additions.
- Conclusion: Paradigm shift concept changed understanding of scientific change.
Choice A is incorrect because he describes change through paradigm shifts. Choice C is incorrect because he later clarified paradigms can be compared. Choice D is incorrect because his contribution was philosophical, not technical.