Kuhn's 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions': A Reader's Guide

by John Preston, Thomas S. Kuhn

Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions is arguably one of the most influential books of the twentieth century and a key text in the philosophy and history of science. Kuhn transformed the philosophy and history of science in the twentieth century in an irrevocable way and still provides an important alternative to formalist approaches in the philosophy of science.

In Kuhn's 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions': A Reader's Guide , John Preston offers a clear and thorough account of this key philosophical work. The book offers a detailed review of the key themes and a lucid commentary that will enable readers to rapidly navigate the text. The guide explores the complex and important ideas inherent in the text and provides a cogent survey of the reception and influence of Kuhn's work.

Genres: Science, Philosophy, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

John Preston is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Reading. He writes on the philosophy of science and the mind.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Molsa Roja(s) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, all I know about Thomas Kuhn comes from this book, but in my very humble opinion this is an excellent introduction to Kuhn's thoughts on the development of science through history. Again, for me Kuhn's views are composable with Latour's sociology of science and Leviathan and the air-pump from Schaffer in order to form an idea, image or concept of science that goes well beyond the usual mythical narrative of great men screaming Eureka, as well as beyond the transcendental position attached to it in our capitalist societies. Anyway, great work and, frankly, enough for me to skip Kuhn's oeuvre.

[Big Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could’ve just been an email

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't finish it, but found the guide helpful for getting me started. If you can borrow it along with Kuhn's essay, do so; don't bother otherwise.

[Sam Hewitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made me want to take heroin every time I picked it up up