Fundamental Concepts of Thomas Kuhn's Philosophy of Science

Abstract

In this paper the author attempts to reconstruct Thomas Kuhn's philosophy of science. He does this by starting with five concepts of Kuhn's philosophy of science which he sees as being fundamental to the whole structure of Kuhn's thought. These concepts are »paradigm«, »normal science«, »crisis«, »revolution« and »incommensurability«. Through their respective analysis the author tries also to encompass other important aspects of Kuhn's philosophy. He places a special emphasis on the authenticity of his own reconstruction, that is, its compatibility with that which and the manner in which Kuhn actually thought.