The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Este libro cambio mi forma de pensar acerca de la ciencia. Muchas veces se cree que es un camino con una meta definida en donde cada descubrimiento es un escalón en una escalera que nos acerca, sin embargo, se trata de una labor que siempre debe de ser analizada dentro de un contexto histórico, pues, como todas las cosas humanas, depende del cristal con que se mira, existen tiempos estériles, etapas obscuras, procesos que deben de llevarse a cabo antes de que sea posible dar el siguiente paso. Creo que Thomas Kuhn hizo una labor excelente al escribir este libro pues el análisis del proceso es necesario para entender el estado actual de las cosas e intentar definir un estado futuro favorable.

I went into this book aware of the enormous hype around it, so naturally I was prepared to be - if not disappointed - somewhat underwhelmed, but boy was I whelmed! Kuhn's book (essay?) is the perfect illustration of how seemingly banal theories can become illuminating when fleshed out in repetitive detail. It's also an exemplar of skillful writing (apart from the odd sentence with one too many parts), exact choice of scope, careful thought, and brilliant insight.

In conclusion, the hype is, without a doubt, justified!

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn is not an easy read. It is a mixture of fascinating summary paragraphs hidden in semi-insider language surrounding science. This is not so much a critique, this is a book on the philosophy and history of science, but a warning that it will take some work to read, especially if you aren't a scientist.

This book was nominated as one of the All-Time 100 Best Nonfiction Books and here is what they said about it:

“Thomas S. Kuhn didn't invent the phrase paradigm shift, but he popularized it and gave it the meaning it has today. He also triggered one when he published The Structure Of Scientific Revolutions in 1962...After Kuhn, we can no longer ignore the fact that however powerful science is, it's as flawed as the scientists who do it.”

From the back cover of the book
I first read it as a freshman in college and decided to read it again...

Full Review: https://thetempleblog.com/2022/03/26/book-review-the-structure-of-scientific-revolutions/