52 pages • 1 hour read •
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1962226
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
1960s
1962
University of Chicago Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions challenges the traditional view of scientific progress as a linear, cumulative process, introducing the concepts of paradigms, normal science, anomalies, and scientific revolutions. Kuhn argues that science progresses through paradigm shifts, where accumulating anomalies lead to crises and the adoption of new paradigms, fundamentally altering scientific understanding and practices.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
29,752 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kuhn’s groundbreaking The Structure of Scientific Revolutions profoundly influences philosophy of science, introducing the concept of paradigm shifts. Scholars praise its insightful analysis of scientific progress and impact on future research. However, some critics argue it is overly complex and lacks empirical support. Furnishing a pivotal framework, it remains a seminal, albeit debated, work.
Who Should Read The Structure of Scientific Revolutions?
The reader who would enjoy The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn is likely an academic or intellectually curious individual interested in the history and philosophy of science. Comparable works include Karl Popper's The Logic of Scientific Discovery and Imre Lakatos' Proofs and Refutations.
29,752 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions was originally published as a part of the International Encyclopedia of Unified Science in 1962, making it an influential text within both philosophy and history of science.
The book popularized the term "paradigm shift," which has since entered common usage to describe any significant change in the fundamental concepts or practices of a given field.
Thomas Kuhn wrote The Structure of Scientific Revolutions while he was a graduate student in theoretical physics, demonstrating his early interdisciplinary interests by bridging physics, history, and philosophy.
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions was originally published as a part of the International Encyclopedia of Unified Science in 1962, making it an influential text within both philosophy and history of science.
The book popularized the term "paradigm shift," which has since entered common usage to describe any significant change in the fundamental concepts or practices of a given field.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Thomas Kuhn wrote The Structure of Scientific Revolutions while he was a graduate student in theoretical physics, demonstrating his early interdisciplinary interests by bridging physics, history, and philosophy.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
226
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
1960s
1962
University of Chicago Press
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.