Thomas Kuhn's impact on science education: What lessons can be learned?

• DOI: 10.1002/sce.10111
• Publication Date: 2003-12-04T09:00:33Z
• Authors: Michael R. Matthews
• Keywords: Normal science; Conceptual Change; Empiricism; Discipline; Community of Inquiry

Abstract Thomas Kuhn has had an impact in all academic fields. In science education, Kuhnian themes are especially noticeable conceptual change research, constructivist theorizing, and multicultural education debates. Unfortunately the influence is frequently compromised by researchers having a limited understanding of Kuhn's original ideas, little exposure to tradition philosophical opposition theories, minimal appreciation how progressively qualified his initial “irrationalist'' views scientific development. One lesson be learnt that community should more seriously effectively engage with on‐going debates analysis history philosophy science. This same was from community's wholesale embrace logical empiricism during 1950s 1960s. Another there powerful disciplinary, institutional, subcultural barriers mitigate against educators engaging historical scholarship. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 88: 90–118, 2004; Published online InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/sce.10111