WebX Post #3
• 1) How does what Thomas Kuhn says (and what is said about him and his theory
in the article) compare with Foucault's theories presented in chapter 1 of Representation? 2) With which of Foucault's ideas may Kuhn's "paradigm" and "paradigm shifts" be correlated?
Thomas Kuhn, much like his predecessor Foucault, established a truly revolutionary ideology that has directly contributed in shaping the thought
processes of modern-day science. Kuhn’s theory, as presented in the article, reveals his contempt towards the traditional institution of scientific
study to reveal truth. Instead, Kuhn presents his own theory of seeking out the truth via paradigms and paradigm shifts. Looking back on Chapter 1 of
Representation , we learn about Foucault’s approach to determining the truth: using discourse to arrive at the truth, and then applying power and knowledge to the
truth. This idea is very comparable, yet different, to that of Kuhn, whose general viewpoint on the implementation of science in the journey towards the truth was
very negative. One can make this inference from the line that reads, “Kuhn dismissed the idea of scientific progress, portraying science as a self-regulated guild that
excommunicates dissenters…and puzzle-solving.” This clearly shows that Kuhn and Foucault stood at opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to progress.
Foucault advocated the discovery of the truth through scientific processes and the use of power, knowledge, and discourse. On the other side of the coin, Kuhn
proposed an idea of determining truth through inferring paradigms, or a set of notions or standpoints towards a particular ideology.
The theories held by both Foucault and Kuhn show a distinct change in the movement of philosophy. Foucault supported the scientific process of analyzing and
synthesizing data and using that knowledge through discourse. Kuhn, however, was the radical who totally went against the established methods of science by
ultimately denying science itself, while introducing a whole new concept of paradigms and shifts, making it easier (in some respects) to reach the truth within society.