30. IPC La construcción de la ciencia El paradigma científico según Kuhn

Summary

In this session, the focus is on the construction of science, drawing from the works of Contreras Rendón and Armida. The concept of scientific knowledge, paradigms, and the role of scientific communities in developing normal science are explored. Kuhn’s theory of paradigms is central, highlighting how scientific communities work within shared frameworks to solve problems. The session also delves into the disciplinary and sociological components of paradigms and uses the example of asthma treatment to illustrate how new discoveries can lead to paradigm shifts. Ultimately, the creation of new paradigms is presented as a transformative process in scientific development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The tutorial focuses on constructing science using texts by authors Contreras Rendón and Armida from Unit 4.
• 😀 The session revisits the concept of scientific knowledge, its models, and theories, with a new focus on how science is constructed.
• 😀 A key question addressed is what makes a professional practice scientific and how science is built.
• 😀 The scientific paradigm according to Kuhn is central, and the concept of scientific communities is emphasized.
• 😀 A scientific paradigm is defined as a shared set of beliefs and practices within a scientific community.
• 😀 Despite differences in culture or language, scientists within the same paradigm share a common language to solve problems.
• 😀 Kuhn’s concept of ‘normal science’ is introduced, referring to the science developed under an established paradigm.
• 😀 Paradigms consist of two matrices: the disciplinary matrix (theoretical aspects, values, research designs, and common language) and the sociological component (scientific communities).
• 😀 Scientific communities not only help advance knowledge but also validate the information and progress made within the paradigm.
• 😀 The concept of paradigm shift (incommensurability) is introduced, exemplified by new asthma treatments challenging old paradigms, leading to a new scientific perspective.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this tutorial session?

The tutorial focuses on the construction of science, particularly examining scientific paradigms through the works of authors Contreras Rendón and Armida from Unit 4.

What is the relationship between scientific knowledge and its models and theories discussed in the course?

Throughout the course, scientific knowledge has been explored through different models and theories, and now the concept of constructing science is being introduced, building on these earlier discussions.

What is the key question posed at the beginning of the session?

The key question posed is: 'What makes a professional practice or activity scientific, and how is science constructed?'

How is the scientific paradigm defined according to Thomas Kuhn?

According to Kuhn, a scientific paradigm is a framework that is shared by the members of a scientific community, allowing them to use a common language to address and solve problems within that paradigm.

What does Kuhn mean by 'scientific normal science'?

Kuhn's concept of 'normal science' refers to the regular, incremental scientific work carried out within a shared paradigm by a community of scientists aiming to solve problems and puzzles within that framework.

What is the consensus definition of a paradigm according to Kuhn?

Kuhn defines a paradigm as a set of practices, theories, and shared beliefs that is widely accepted by a scientific community, where members collaborate and use common tools, language, and values to solve problems.

What are the two main components that build a paradigm, according to the script?

The two main components that build a paradigm are the disciplinary matrix (which includes values, generalizations, research designs, and instruments) and the sociological components (scientific communities that validate and develop knowledge).

Can you provide an example of a scientific paradigm discussed in the session?

An example provided in the session is the treatment of asthma, where scientific communities, such as the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), use a shared paradigm to guide treatment strategies based on current scientific consensus.

What is meant by 'incommensurability' in Kuhn's theory?

Incommensurability refers to the situation when a new paradigm cannot be directly compared with or integrated into an old paradigm, leading to a shift in scientific thinking and the emergence of a new paradigm.

What happens when a new scientific paradigm emerges, according to Kuhn?

When a new paradigm emerges, it often challenges and replaces the old one by offering a revolutionary new view that addresses anomalies and inconsistencies in the previous paradigm, ultimately gaining acceptance within the scientific community.