Theo Todman's Book Collection (Book-Paper Abstracts)

BOOK ABSTRACT:

Back Cover Blurb

1. Two books have been particularly influential in contemporary philosophy of science:
   1. "Popper (Karl) - The Logic of Scientific Discovery", and
   2. "Kuhn (Thomas) - The Structure of Scientific Revolutions".
      
   Both agree upon the importance of revolutions in science, but differ about the role of criticism in its revolutionary growth.
2. One contributor claims that for Kuhn revolutionary change is a matter of ‘mob-psychology’. Kuhn rejects this interpretation of his position, but insists that ‘whatever scientific progress may be, we must account for it by examining the nature of the scientific group, discovering what it values, what it tolerates, and what it disdains’.
3. The volume arose out of a symposium on Kuhn’s work, with Popper in the chair, at an international colloquium held in London in 1965. It is not simply a report of the discussion which took place there, for several of the papers have been expanded, written and rewritten between 1965 and 1969.
4. The book begins with Kuhn’s statement of his position, followed by seven essays offering critiism and analysis, and finally by Kuhn’s reply.
5. The book will interest senior undergraduates and graduate students of the philosophy and history of science, as well as professional philosophers, philosophically inclined scientists and some psychologists and sociologists.