Is normal science good science?

Authors

  • Adrianna Kępińska Durham University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15633/ss.1080

Keywords:

normal science, Thomas Kuhn, Karl Popper, Paul Feyerabend, scientific revolution

Abstract

“Normal science” is a concept introduced by Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962). In Kuhn’s view, normal science means “puzzle solving”, solving problems within the paradigm—framework most successful in solving current major scientific problems—rather than producing major novelties. This paper examines Kuhnian and Popperian accounts of normal science and their criticisms to assess if normal science is good. The advantage of normal science according to Kuhn was “psychological”: subjective satisfaction from successful “puzzle solving”. Popper argues for an “intellectual” science, one that consistently refutes conjectures (hypotheses) and offers new ideas rather than focus on personal advantages. His account is criticized as too impersonal and idealistic. Feyerabend’s perspective seems more balanced; he argues for a community that would introduce new ideas, defend old ones, and enable scientists to develop in line with their subjective preferences. The paper concludes that normal science has no one clear-cut set of criteria encompassing its meaning and enabling clear assessment.

Author Biography

  • Adrianna Kępińska, Durham University
    Absolwentka Durham University (Wielka Brytania). Do jej zainteresowań badawczych należą filozofia nauki, zwłaszcza psychologii, kwestie percepcji ciała i ich relacji z modą oraz neuronaukowe badania języka.

References

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Hacking I., Introductory Essay, [in:] T. S. Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Fourth Edition, Chicago–London 2012.

Kuhn T. S., Logic of Discovery or Psychology of Research?, [in:] Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge. Proceedings of the International Colloquium in the Philosophy of Science, ed. I. Lakatos, A. Musgrave, London 1965, Cambridge 1970.

Kuhn T.S., The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago – London 2012.

Nickles T., Normal Science: From Logic to Case-Based and Model-Based Reasoning, [in:] Thomas Kuhn, ed. T. Nickles, Cambridge 2003.

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Popper K., Conjectures and Refutations. The Growth of Scientific Knowledge, London–New York 2004.

Watkins J., Against ‘Normal Science’, [in:] Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge. Proceedings of the International Colloquium in the Philosophy of Science, ed. I. Lakatos, A. Musgrave, London 1965, Cambridge 1970.

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Published

2015-09-01

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