Single Idea 6809

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory]

Full Idea

Kuhn later came to accept that there are five values to which scientists in all paradigms adhere: accuracy; consistency with accepted theories; broad scope; simplicity; and fruitfulness.

Gist of Idea

Kuhn came to accept that all scientists agree on a particular set of values

Source

report of Thomas S. Kuhn (Reflections on my Critics [1970]) by Alexander Bird - Philosophy of Science Ch.8

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.281


A Reaction

To shake off the relativism for which Kuhn is notorious, we should begin by asking the question WHY scientists favoured these particular values, rather than (say) bizarreness, consistency with Lewis Carroll, or alliteration. (They are epistemic virtues).