Kuhn, Thomas and Scientific Paradigms

Abstract

This entry describes Thomas Kuhn's theory of science, with special attention given to the role played by paradigms and paradigm changes. After discussing the ambiguities in the concept “paradigm,” it distinguishes between three senses of paradigm: the paradigm as exemplar, the paradigm as theory, and the paradigm as disciplinary matrix. It then examines the impact that the concepts had in the social sciences, particularly in sociology. Finally, it discusses Kuhn's later views on science, where he conceptualized what he called paradigm changes as lexical changes. It also discusses the fate of the paradigm concept.