Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Series | Book | Chapter

228140

Telegrams and paradigms

on Cold War geopolitics and the structure of scientific revolutions

George Reisch

pp. 23-53

Abstract

This chapter focuses on some of the key contextual elements that informed the writing of Kuhn's masterpiece, reflecting especially on the connections with ideologue and diplomat George Frost Kennan. In this way it aims to cast new light on Kuhn's work examining its Cold War legacy. The two were both familiar with the Cold War science administrator James Conant and shared with him an interest in examining the problem of "incommensurability." While for Kuhn the problem was, famously, one regarding the theory, foundation, and history of science, Kennan sought to apply it to the problem of understanding the Soviet mindset and the incompatibility of socialist and capitalist systems. The chapter thus concludes recalling the importance of the anti-communist milieu in which Kuhn forged his novel theory about scientific change.

Publication details

Published in:

Aronova Elena, Turchetti Simone (2016) Science studies during the Cold War and beyond: paradigms defected. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Pages: 23-53

DOI: 10.1057/978-1-137-55943-2_2

Full citation:

Reisch George (2016) „Telegrams and paradigms: on Cold War geopolitics and the structure of scientific revolutions“, In: E. Aronova & S. Turchetti (eds.), Science studies during the Cold War and beyond, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 23–53.