Nicholas Copernicus

People often think that science unfolds in a gradual and linear pattern. We discover this new knowledge or material, or develop this new theory, which then nudges us to undertake new explorations or applications. C builds upon B which builds upon A.

In the last century, there have been some significant new theories which address this common assumption about science. The name most associated with theorizing about the nature and history of scientific developments is Thomas Kuhn. He believed that science doesn’t unfold in the way we’ve taken for granted. In fact, he thought that science progresses in a fashion not unlike political revolutions or even religious conversions. He even coined the term Scientific Revolution to describe the utter upheaval in the way we look at the evidence and package it.

Any given scientific paradigm establishes the reigning assumptions and rules upon which scientists agree and within which they work. It is only when irregularities (anomalies) within the system occur that strike at the heart of, or are too numerous or too resistant to solving that the paradigm is thrown into crisis. Members of the scientific community lose confidence in the paradigm and if they cannot solve the puzzle in relation to the old system, they will become open to considering and formulating alternate theories which will be incompatible with the old way.

Kuhn writes that:

"the new paradigm, or a sufficient hint to permit later articulation, emerges all at once, sometimes in the middle of the night, in the mind of a man deeply immersed in crisis."

It is as though such a person has tasted the beginning of change. This scientist has a new way of seeing which was hidden from view, since earlier there had been no need to search for a better way. A new light has dawned. A revolution in thought, in belief, in understanding has occurred. A conversion experience is underway.

For Reflection:

• Consider times in your own life when you have had insights and experiences which changed the way you saw and understood life.
• When you’ve seen such changes in others, how would you describe the difference in their beliefs, attitudes, feelings and behaviour?