Comparative Study on Theory Formation during Paradigm Shifts
Advisor Information
Curtis Hutt
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
6-3-2015 11:45 AM
End Date
6-3-2015 12:00 PM
Abstract
The way in which humans construe theory formation is an exceedingly complex process especially during periods categorized as “paradigm shifts” or “revolutions”. Thomas Kuhn shows us an example of such an event in his analysis of the Copernican revolution, to which the Quine / Duhem thesis is applied within this context, demonstrating that theory formation does not occur piecemeal but always in the context of other beliefs. For the purpose of this inquiry a comparative study of theory formation within the individual spheres of religion and natural science is accomplished. I review similarities and differences in these two specific case studies sharing a specific context; the Copernican Revolution. From my analysis it is clear that such persons as Kuhn and Foucault are correct in their interpretation of theory formation, believing that the interconnectedness of each individual sphere becomes an auxiliary hypothesis within the other spheres and forming an underlining foundation. A change in one sphere lends to change in the supporting data which then ripples through the other social institutions as demonstrated in this comparative study.
Comparative Study on Theory Formation during Paradigm Shifts
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
The way in which humans construe theory formation is an exceedingly complex process especially during periods categorized as “paradigm shifts” or “revolutions”. Thomas Kuhn shows us an example of such an event in his analysis of the Copernican revolution, to which the Quine / Duhem thesis is applied within this context, demonstrating that theory formation does not occur piecemeal but always in the context of other beliefs. For the purpose of this inquiry a comparative study of theory formation within the individual spheres of religion and natural science is accomplished. I review similarities and differences in these two specific case studies sharing a specific context; the Copernican Revolution. From my analysis it is clear that such persons as Kuhn and Foucault are correct in their interpretation of theory formation, believing that the interconnectedness of each individual sphere becomes an auxiliary hypothesis within the other spheres and forming an underlining foundation. A change in one sphere lends to change in the supporting data which then ripples through the other social institutions as demonstrated in this comparative study.