Kuhn’s Philosophy of Science and its Limitation

Topic

Kuhn’s Philosophy of Science and its Limitation

Instructions

Around p. 38 of Structure, Kuhn discusses the motivations of scientists. For example:
What then challenges him is the conviction that, if only he is skilfull enough, he will succeed in solving a puzzle that no one before has solved or solved so well. Many of the greatest scientific minds have devoted all of their professional attention to demanding puzzles of this sort.
What role does this view play in Kuhn’s overall view? Are there any problems with this part of his view?

Answer preview

This statement denotes Kuhn’s overall view that all scientific works are undertaken as puzzle-solving processes which constitute normal sciences.  Certainly, this view underscores the notion of mature science in which research problems are conceptualized as puzzles, and are anticipated prior to data collection (Kuhn, 1970, p. 36). In addition, research problems according to this view are selected based on the ability of the researcher to provide solutions (Kuhn, 1970, p. 37). Further, puzzles, as theorized by Kuhn, should be investigated in line with rules that define the process of finding solutions, and defines the nature of accurate solutions.

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