Overview

Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions, which examines paradigm theory as it relates to philosophy of science, is among the most widely read--and debated--books in the history and philosophy of science. In Paradigms Explained, the author examines both the contributions and the limitations of Kuhn's work on paradigm theory, offering arguments for why Kuhn's initial ideas fail, as well as how his later and lesser-known works offer a modified and more workable solution to the problems Kuhn attempted to address in Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Von Dietze's accessible writing style and thought-provoking exploration of Kuhn's writings and their impact on scientific, philosophical, and social thought engage the reader and offer new insights into the simultaneously problematic and hugely influential ideas of one of the most prominent philosophers of science. Not limiting himself to just examining Structure of Scientific Revolutions, von Dietze also explores the ideas of Kuhn's earlier and later works. He thus provides an integrated discussion of the debates surrounding Kuhn's famous paradigm theory. As current interest in Kuhn's work increases, and as increasingly diverse fields endeavor to apply his paradigm theory, von Dietze's clear exploration and criticism of Kuhn's writings will prove to be an invaluable asset.

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Reviews

The best analytical study of Thomas Kuhn's paradigm theory that has been written. More than an exposition of Kuhn, the work is characterized by an interpretation of the development and changes in Kuhn's thought, and, as well, Kuhn's response to his critics. Von Dietze also adds his own interpretation of the utility of Kuhn's paradigm theory for epistemology, lexical taxonomics, the coherence theory of evidence, education, and so on. Von Dietze's book is a seminal and original contribution to the growing world-wide interest in Kuhn-studies. William A. Johnson Albert V. Danielsen Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus Brandeis University

Author Information

ERICH VON DIETZE is the inter-faith chaplain at Curtin University of Technology, Perth Western Australia. He teaches courses in philosophy of science and philosophy of education. He is also currently national president of the Tertiary Campus Ministry Association, the Australian professional association for chaplains in higher education, and edits the association's journal (The Journal of the TCMA).

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