An Exploratory Study of Kuhnian Paradigms in Theoretical High Energy Physics

Abstract

An exploratory study of the characteristics of paradigms in theoretical high energy physics indicates that: (1) the four elements of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions — symbolic generalizations (fundamental principles), metaphysical paradigms (heuristic models), values for evaluating theories (breadth, testability, elegance, consistency with fundamental principles) and exemplars (models that serve as concrete problem-solutions) - are present in theoretical high energy physics, but they do not always function as he suggests; (2) the reception accorded a new theory by high energy theorists is a function of its breadth and testability; other things being equal, the broader and more testable the theory, the more sustained and energetic the response; (3) the process of cognitive change in high energy theory did not, at least from 1960-75, follow the sequence of anomaly, crisis, and revolution. The fundamental principles of the field have not been questioned for decades, and exemplars are rejected if they cannot be tested precisely or if they are not confirmed. Models which have been successfully tested form the basis for the development of new models in a manner that suggests a pattern of scientific change that has been proposed by Holton.