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Science Connections

The Structure of Musical Revolutions

Edward Slowik investigates Kuhn’s philosophy of science through an analogy.

One of the most important and influential developments in 20th century philosophy of science has been Thomas Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions. Its popularity has spread way beyond the relatively narrow confines of philosophy of science, having become a staple topic of discussion and investigation in all areas of the arts and sciences. The term ‘paradigm’ has even entered the vocabulary of the general public. Nevertheless, the precise details of Kuhn’s theory are often glossed over in the brief presentations one frequently encounters. This is an unfortunate consequence of its popularity.

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