Thomas S. Kuhn

Thomas S. Kuhn was a philosopher of science best known for his book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." He introduced the idea that science doesn't progress in a straight line but rather through "paradigm shifts." These shifts occur when existing scientific frameworks (or paradigms) become insufficient to explain new observations, leading to a radical change in understanding. Kuhn emphasized that scientific knowledge is influenced by social factors and the community of scientists, highlighting that science is a collective endeavor shaped by culture, beliefs, and historical context, which is a central theme in social epistemology.