Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge: Proceedings of the International Colloquium in the Philosophy of Science, London, 1965

Two books have been particularly influential in contemporary philosophy of science: Karl R. Popper’s Logic of Scientific Discovery, and Thomas S. Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Both agree upon the importance of revolutions in science, but differ about the role of criticism in science’s revolutionary growth. This volume arose out of a symposium on Kuhn’s work, with Popper in the chair, at an international colloquium held in London in 1965. The book begins with Kuhn’s statement of his position followed by seven essays offering criticism and analysis, and finally by Kuhn’s reply. The book will interest senior undergraduates and graduate students of the philosophy and history of science, as well as professional philosophers, philosophically inclined scientists, and some psychologists and sociologists.

Preface; Note on the third impression; 1. Logic of discovery of psychology of research? T. S. Kuhn; 2. Against ‘Normal Science’ J. W. N. Watkins; 3. Does the distinction between normal and revolutionary science hold water? S. E. Toulmin; 4. Normal science, scientific revolutions and the history of science L. Pearce Williams; 5. Normal science and its dangers K. R. Popper; 6. The nature of a paradigm Margaret Masterman; 7. Falsification and the methodology of scientific research programmes I. Lakatos; 8. Consolations for the specialist P. K. Feyerabend; 9. Reflections on my critics T. S. Kuhn; Index.