Incommensurability Explained in the Terms of Presuppositions. A Comment to Kuhn's Thesis on Radical Meaning Variance

被引:0
|
作者
Grobler, Adam [1 ]
机构
[1] Opole Univ, Opole, Poland
来源
关键词
incommensurability; (non)-factivity of knowledge; paradigm; presupposition; scientific change; radical meaning variance thesis;
D O I
10.4467/2543702XSHS.23.005.17696
中图分类号
N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];
学科分类号
01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;
摘要
Kuhn's radical meaning variance thesis implies that scientists, who work in different paradigms cannot understand each other. This, however, seems incredible. The air of paradox can be dispersed once the role of presuppositions in constituting a paradigm is acknowledged. Presuppositions function in the way of the Wittgensteinian ungrounded hinges and often are only implicitly assumed. In the face of recalcitrant puzzles some presuppositions can be made explicit and revised. The mechanism of possible revisions of presuppositions can be accounted for in terms of Hintikka's interrogative model of scientific inquiry with some amendments. The model includes three possible reactions to an anomaly: (i) a conservative offer of an auxiliary hypothesis within the current paradigm, (ii) a reinterpretation of puzzling experimental results and non-revolutionary enrichment of the current paradigm with a novel hypothesis, and (iii) a revision of presuppositions that amounts to a full-fledged scientific revolution. The choice depends on the success or failure of more conservative alternatives and the scope of application of the theory under investigation. In the proposed approach, incommensurability does not hinder communication between the proponents of different paradigms. In addition, some other controversial points in Kuhn's views from the Structure of ScientificRevolutions are explained, like Kuhn's losses, reproaching conservative attitudes towards anomalies, or the admissibility orinadmissibility of the coexistence of rivalparadigms. Lastbut not least, alink between aparadigm shift and the strive for truth is established.
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页码:239 / 258
页数:20
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