Two Philosophy Topics: Kuhn's incommensurability thesis and Scientific Realism

Topic 1: Kuhn's incommensurability thesis

Description: Select one of the following topics and write a paper on that topic, addressing all of the required elements noted in the topic's instructions.  Topic 1. In chapter 9 of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Kuhn argues that "the normal-scientific tradition that emerges from a scientific revolution is not only incompatible but often actually incommensurable with that which has gone before" (103). Let's refer to this as Kuhn's incommensurability thesis. How does he defend this thesis? Does it give us a plausible account of scientific change? For example, is it compatible with the idea of science making progress? Why or why not?  A good answer to this question should: a. clarify what Kuhn means by incommensurability, using at least one historical example (you're welcome to draw from an example that Kuhn himself uses) b. explain how Kuhn argues for his incommensurability thesis c. critically assess whether Kuhn's position gives a plausible account of scientific change. (In lecture, two distinct issues were discussed: whether his account allows for scientific change to be rational and objective, and whether his account is consistent with the idea of scientific progress. You're encouraged to focus on one, but not both, of these issues.) d. give a persuasive defense of your assessment of Kuhn's position.  The only resources you'll need are: a. Your lecture notes / slides on the topic, b. Chapter 5 of our primary textbook, and c. Chapters 9 and 10 of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions for Kuhn's explanation of incommensurability  Additionally, you might find it helpful to look at chapter 13 of Structure for Kuhn's discussion of scientific progress.  Topic 2. Do our best scientific theories provide approximately true descriptions of the world? Justify your answer.  A good answer to this question should: a. focus on a specific argument for or against scientific realism (many arguments for/against were discussed in module 6) b. give a persuasive defense of your assessment of that argument c. consider how the opposing side might try to object to your assessment d. give a compelling reply to that objection  The only resources you'll need are: a. Your lecture notes / slides on the topic, and