The paradigm theory proposed by Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions explains that science develops through crises and revolutionary changes in the status quo. In this process, the incommensurability and contradictory comparability of paradigms has been criticized, and debates continue to center on incompatibility, incommensurability, and untranslatability. Thomas...
Thomas Kuhn’s Theory of Scientific Revolutions: Does Normal Science Really Exclude Criticism and Only Shift Paradigms in Times of Crisis?
Thomas Kuhn describes the development of science as repeating the process of normal science, in which the existing paradigm is maintained and studied, and scientific revolution, in which critical debate leads to a new paradigm. However, FireAvent argues that Kuhn’s argument does not fit with historical examples, and that even during periods of normal science, critical debate and the...
Thomas Kuhn’s Paradigm Theory, Is Scientific Knowledge Really Independent and Continuous?
Criticize Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory to explain the continuity and interdependence of scientific knowledge. Dr. Perelman’s solution of the Poincaré conjecture highlights the close connectivity of scientific knowledge. In The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn proposes that scientific theories are not continuous and do not develop gradually, nor is their...
Thomas Kuhn’s Theory of Scientific Revolutions: Can Normal Science Contribute to a New Paradigm?
Thomas Kuhn argued that science advances through paradigm shifts, or scientific revolutions, but there are questions about whether the results and methods of normal science are valid in a new paradigm. This article examines the validity of Kuhn’s argument by comparing it to disprovationalism. Before Thomas Kuhn, people thought that science progressed by accumulating knowledge by...
Thomas Kuhn’s Paradigm Theory on Scientific Progress and Incomparability
Focusing on Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory, I explain the discontinuity of scientific progress and the concept of incomparability of paradigms. I also criticize Kuhn’s views and discuss the possibility of comparison between paradigms and scientific progress. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, which contains Thomas Kuhn’s paradigmatic propositions, was published in...
How has Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of science influenced the development of science?
Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific progress consists of paradigm shifts rather than the accumulation of knowledge. His theories emphasize revolutionary changes in science, as opposed to traditional views of science, and have had a significant impact on the direction and efficiency of scientific research. Thomas Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions are indispensable...
Can Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory be applied to biology?
Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory has been applied mainly in physics, but it is worth discussing whether it is valid in biology. In genetics, the theory works well, but in the case of evolutionary theory, it may not be appropriate for reasons of invention. In everyday life, the word “paradigm” is very common. When the way of explaining a situation changes significantly, people usually...
Does Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory explain the development of science as a revolutionary shift, or does it support a relativistic view of science?
Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions argues that scientific knowledge does not simply accumulate, but rather develops revolutionarily through paradigm shifts. Kuhn’s theory has been controversial from both a positivist and relativist perspective and has led to a new debate in philosophy of science about the search for truth. Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of...
Have science and religion evolved to complement each other throughout human history, or have they been in conflict?
Science and religion have existed as opposing perspectives from the origins of humanity to the present day, each establishing its role through its understanding of nature and transcendent beings. While advances in science have improved our lives and uncovered many mysteries, religion still addresses humanity’s inner anxieties and questions of ultimate meaning. Even in modern times, the...
How do democracy and science and technology interact today, and what impact can scientists’ political participation have on society?
This article analyzes the role of science and technology in modern society, where the values of equality and democracy are emphasized, and discusses the impact of science and technology on democracy based on the arguments of Professor Roald Hoffmann. It challenges Hoffmann’s position on whether science inevitably contributes to democratization and whether scientists need to be involved in...
Can Genetic Engineering Design Children Without Violating Human Dignity and Free Will?
Advances in genetic engineering have made it possible to select and enhance a child’s genes, but this could threaten core values of human dignity and free will. Professor Michael Sandel argues that genetic engineering is an overreaching intervention that attempts to mold a child’s life to the parent’s intentions, which he characterizes as “transforming love” rather than...
How did Europe capitalize on scientific, climatic, and geographic advantages to form a world dominating empire?
Europe was able to expand its empire and dominate the world through a variety of factors, including advances in science and technology, climatic and geographic conditions, and the effects of disease. The scientific mindset that came with the Industrial Revolution played an important role in this process, but geographical advantages and the unintended contributions of pathogens were also crucial...
Why are claims that milk is unhealthy exaggerated and biased?
Milk is a complete food, which means it contains a wide range of nutrients, and there are many studies that show its health benefits. Many of the claims made by anti-milk advocates, such as over-marketing, causing osteoporosis, and cancer, are exaggerated or limited to a few cases of overconsumption, and in moderate amounts, milk is beneficial. A long time ago, the world was rocked by the...
Will Homo sapiens evolve into a new humanity with biotechnological advances, or will it be brought to an end by science and technology?
Homo sapiens is the only surviving member of several past human species. We have advanced science and technology through the Cognitive Revolution and the Agricultural Revolution, but advances in biotechnology have raised the possibility that it could lead to our extinction. We must now consider whether this technology will lead to our evolution or our demise. Are we the only species on...
Why did the Scientific Revolution allow Western powers to dominate the world and colonized nations to suffer cultural oppression?
The Scientific Revolution allowed humanity to advance by leaps and bounds, which allowed Western powers to expand their imperialism and dominate colonized nations. But in the process, colonized nations were oppressed, exploited, and had their cultures destroyed. While there were some positive aspects of imperialism, there was violence and suffering behind it. From tens of thousands of...
The Fable of the Ant and the Beanstalk: Is it still relevant in the modern world or does it need a new interpretation?
The fable of the ant and the beanstalk conveys a lesson about hard work and laziness, but it’s worth questioning whether its lessons are still relevant in the modern world. Sacrificing too much for the future or pursuing pleasures in the present can both cause problems, and it’s important to find balance and harmony in your life. The Ant and the Beanstalk is a classic...
What is happiness: Can it be quantified through biochemical and social factors?
This article explores what happiness is and whether it is determined by biochemical factors such as hormones or has deeper connections to social and environmental factors. It discusses whether hormone levels, such as serotonin, can be an objective measure of happiness and whether national happiness can be measured through a happiness index. Introduction We often ask ourselves. Am I...
How can Yuval Noah Harari’s complementarity between religion and science be interpreted in the modern world?
Yuval Noah Harari defines the relationship between religion and science as complementary, arguing that religion gives superhuman legitimacy to social structures. He believes that science can coexist and collaborate with religion, rather than oppose it, and explores the positive impact that both fields have on each other in modern society. Science and religion according to Yuval Noah...
Can human cloning truly increase social utility from a utilitarian perspective?
This article analyzes human cloning from a utilitarian perspective, arguing that the sacrifice of many lives in the cloning process and the social roles of cloned humans are likely to decrease utility in the long run. In Chapter 1 of his book The Genetic Revolution and Human Rights, the American philosopher Hilary Putnam articulates his reasons for opposing human cloning. He proposes the...
Why do genius and imitation in Perfume symbolize trends and innovation in the modern world, and what is the role of Giuseppe Baldini?
Patrick Süskind’s novel Perfume explores issues of genius and imitation in 18th-century France, and is emblematic of how trends and innovation work in the modern world. In the story, Giuseppe Baldini is a man who fails to make creative breakthroughs and falls behind trends, and his anguish mirrors the pressures and crises that modern people feel. Patrick Süskind’s 1985 novel...
In Entropy: A New Worldview, will thermal death spell the end of humanity, or are technological advances and alternative energy the answer?
This article discusses the book Entropy: A New Worldview by Jeremy Rifkin. In this book, Rifkin takes a critical look at the sustainability of modern civilization and industry based on the second law of thermodynamics, the law of entropy. The text introduces the possibility of humanity’s demise due to increasing entropy, which Rifkin argues is likely, but also offers counterarguments and a...
Does the law of entropy mean the end of society and civilization?
Jeremy Rifkin’s Entropy warns of energy consumption and the end of civilization through the law of entropy, but there is a counter argument that technological advances can slow the increase in entropy by making it possible to acquire energy. In Entropy, Jeremy Rifkin applies the second law of thermodynamics, the law of entropy, not only to the scientific realm but also to society at...
Book Review – Hillary Whitehall Putnam, The Genetic Revolution and Human Rights (Genetic Modification, Hope or Peril?)
Advances in genetic modification technology have led to controversies such as human cloning. Weighing the positive and negative effects this technology will have on humanity, it requires a careful approach that takes into account moral and social issues. As human lifespans continue to increase, the field of biotechnology is making great strides, and biotechnologists are working tirelessly...
Are values essential to modern science and technology or an unnecessary ideological burden?
This course explores the role of values in atomism and science and technology through the lens of Heisenberg’s Part and Whole. While Kurt’s argument denies the need for values in science and technology, the author emphasizes the importance of values in the relationship between humans and science and ethical issues. Heisenberg’s book, “Parts and Whole,” begins with...
Is scientific progress the result of accumulated research or revolutionary paradigm shifts?
This course discusses the question of whether scientific progress is the result of a gradual accumulation of research achievements or a revolutionary paradigm shift. Focusing on Thomas Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions, it explores the nature of scientific progress by explaining the relationship between steady-state and revolutionary scientific development, as well as its...
The Agricultural Revolution, a real breakthrough for humanity, or the price of lost freedom and abundance?
While the Agricultural Revolution brought stability and progress to humanity, it has also been criticized for causing us to lose the abundance and freedom of the hunter-gatherer era. This raises the question of whether the Agricultural Revolution was a true development or the biggest hoax in history. Before the Agricultural Revolution, Homo sapiens lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. We...
Does science seek absolute truth, or is it simply a process of shifting perspectives and paradigm shifts?
This article explores the development of science by focusing on Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm theory. It questions whether science seeks absolute truth or merely phenomena explained by new perspectives, and reconsiders the nature and goals of scientific inquiry. As I read about the philosophy of science, I became aware of the debates about how science accumulates knowledge and progresses...
Will future humans enjoy greater happiness than today due to increased wealth and advances in scientific understanding of happiness?
It is likely that future humans will enjoy greater happiness than we do today due to increases in the total amount of wealth and advances in the scientific study of happiness. Wealth is positively correlated with happiness to some extent, and biochemical research is uncovering ways to induce happiness. This will make future societies happier overall. Humans have long strived to lead happy...
How can noble love be the seed of tragedy, and what is the meaning of love in ‘Goethe’s ‘Urfaust’?
Love is often perceived as a noble and beautiful emotion, but in Goethe’s Urfaust, love becomes a major factor in the doom and tragedy of the main characters. Goethe uses love as a tool to expose the inherent vulnerability of human beings, to cause moral turmoil and tragedy, but also to offer the possibility of repentance within it. When we think of love, we think of something...
Can cosmetic surgery help close the appearance gap and create a fairer and happier society, or is it another tragedy that reinforces appearanceism?
This article addresses the issue of judging people by their appearance and discusses how the normalization of cosmetic surgery can reduce appearance discrimination and create a fairer society. It offers an alternative perspective, arguing that closing the appearance gap through cosmetic surgery could reduce social inequality and discrimination and make humanity happier. Is it really fair...
Was it inevitable that the male-dominated societies that followed the Agricultural Revolution were built on misogyny, or was it a mere coincidence?
Misogyny is deeply entrenched in the social structures that favored men after the Agricultural Revolution. Yuval Noah Harari argues that misogyny is not inevitable, citing three factors: strength, violence, and women’s biological roles. However, he emphasizes that misogyny still persists in society and that efforts to eliminate it need to be balanced so that they don’t lead to...
As a woman and an Asian, how does Pauline Chen balance family life with success as a surgeon?
Pauline Chen is an Asian woman who has managed to balance her success as a surgeon with family life. With her academic background at Harvard and Yale and her surgical skills, she has become a role model for many female medical students. Through her deep reflections on life and death, she emphasizes the role of a doctor and demonstrates what true dedication is. I read a book about the life...
How does social status anxiety affect me and how can I overcome it?
This article, Status Anxiety, explores the causes and solutions to social status anxiety. It specifically analyzes anxiety stemming from expectations of equality and uncertainty about the future, and suggests ways to alleviate it through philosophical value judgments and artistic approaches. My motivation for reading Status Anxiety I read this book when I was transitioning out of...
Does scientific progress truly increase the meaning of human life, or is it just the pursuit of happiness?
This article discusses whether scientific advancement should be limited to the mere pursuit of happiness, or whether it should move toward increasing the meaning of life. Focusing on the perspective of Yuval Noah Harari, we explore the difference between “happiness” and “meaning in life,” and try to suggest the direction of true progress. Scientific and social progress has always seemed...
Why don’t we talk about death, and why do we only realize its meaning at the end of life?
Despite the fact that death is a natural part of being human, we tend to shy away from it and consider it taboo. But when we face it and embrace it, we discover the true meaning of life. In Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilych, the fear and denial of death, and the process of accepting it, leads us to realize that life and death are connected. A society that doesn’t...
In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari argues that technology and science can make us gods, beyond fiction!
In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari argues that advances in technology and science can make humans divine. However, his approach to dividing the line between fiction and reality with the concept of suffering is highly subjective and calls for a deeper exploration of the relationship between fiction and reality. In the title of Homo Deus, “Deus” is the word for God, and Yuval Noah Harari, the...
What’s more important in scientific research: the part or the whole? (Focusing on the debate between Heisenberg, Burton, and Dirac)
This article is a reflection on which is more important in scientific research: partial understanding or holistic connections, based on a discussion of Heisenberg, Burton, and Dirac’s approach to science. I support Dirac’s incremental approach and emphasize that we should aim for the correct understanding of natural phenomena. Parts and Whole is a record of conversations...
Book Review – The Case Against Perfection (Genetic Design of Children: Is It Morally Permissible?)
Discusses the moral aspects of designing children, centering on the ethical issues of genetic manipulation. It introduces various opinions on whether it is for the benefit of the child, not the parents’ desires, and whether it does not violate human dignity. In recent years, science and technology have been advancing at a tremendous rate. In order for these advances to be widely...
Is Scientific Progress Revolutionary, Not Accumulative? (Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions and the Meaning of Paradigm Shifts)
Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions emphasizes that scientific progress is not simply the accumulation of knowledge, but revolutionary change through paradigm shifts. This theory has influenced not only science, but also social sciences, economics, and other fields, and has led to a rethinking of the direction of modern scientific research. New perspectives on...
Yuval Noah Harari predicts the rise of superhumans: how will human dignity and liberalism change in a future controlled by algorithms?
Yuval Noah Harari predicts a future society in which algorithms will replace most jobs and a small group of “superhumans” will control them. He warns that this could threaten human dignity and liberalism, and advocates a cautious approach to the development of algorithms and artificial intelligence. However, he argues that the failure of eugenics and non-economic reasons make the rise of...
Did Heisenberg fulfill his mission as a scientist in history, or is he not free of ethical responsibility?
Heisenberg remained in Germany to continue his research amid the chaos of World War II. He fulfilled his responsibilities as a scientist by seeking political compromise, but he was unable to avoid the ethical dilemma of indirectly contributing to the development of weapons of mass destruction. When I first opened Heisenberg’s The Part and the Whole and looked at the table of...
Is Science a Continuous Progression or a Revolutionary Shift? (Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions and Paradigm Shifts)
In The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn argues that scientific progress is driven by abrupt paradigm shifts rather than gradual accumulation. Research based on a particular paradigm is “normal science,” and when the accumulation of anomalies breaks down the existing paradigm, a new paradigm emerges and a scientific revolution occurs. Before the invention of the automobile...
What can Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle teach us about social judgment and ethical choices?
Drawing on Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, this course explores how a mindset that distinguishes between parts and wholes affects scientific, social, and ethical judgment. Through a variety of examples and philosophical discussions, he shows how to make rational decisions in complex situations and emphasizes the importance of setting objective criteria. When you think of...
In a modern world where humanity relies on machine civilization, is it possible to talk about sustainability without ignoring the law of entropy?
Jeremy Rifkin argues that modern mechanical civilization promotes energy waste and increased entropy, which will eventually lead to the end of humanity. He criticizes materialism and proposes a new worldview that follows the law of entropy, but lacks a discussion of the positive aspects of technology and sustainable development. In Jeremy Rifkin’s book, entropy is defined as “in...
Is animism a true belief in the equality of animals and humans, or is it just an anthropocentric interpretation?
The claim that animism, as presented in Eugene Noah Harari’s Homo Deus, treats animals and humans as equals is contradicted by the anthropocentric interpretations of actual tribes. This article discusses how animism is a faith that is interpreted according to human interests rather than animal respect, and raises the need to think about true animal respect. In Yuval Noah...
Is human domination of the planet a result of communication and cooperation, or is it an evolutionary trait of intelligence and tool-making?
Yuval Noah Harari emphasizes the ability to communicate and cooperate as the reason for human domination of the planet, but it can be argued that intelligence, tool-making, and walking upright also played a role. Human ingenuity cannot be explained by communication and cooperation alone, but rather by a combination of evolutionary traits and a variety of abilities that have evolved in the face of...
Why does Richard Dawkinson’s The Selfish Gene reinterpret evolutionary theory as unity?
Richard Dawkinson’s The Selfish Gene argues for the selfishness of genes, but explains that integration is a more appropriate interpretation of how genes evolved. The integration of genes can better explain natural selection and the cooperative behavior of living things. In his book The Selfish Gene, world-renowned scientist and author Richard Dawkinson presents a new paradigm for...
Is enhancing human performance a true progress or a dangerous path to dehumanization?
“In ‘ Homo Deus,’ author Yuval Noah Harari argues that technological advances will lead to improved human performance, but this can have side effects such as biological discrimination, ethical issues, and the loss of genetic diversity. We need to think carefully about whether enhanced performance is truly necessary for humans and whether it can guarantee a good life. “Yuval...
Paradigm Shifts in Scientific Revolutions, Are We Ready for a New Paradigm?
Thomas Kuhn’s concept of paradigms can be applied not only to science, but also to social sciences, economics, psychology, and many other fields, and paradigm shifts are characterized by short-lived revolutions. We must prepare for the emergence of a new paradigm by waiting for counterexamples to accumulate against the current paradigm. Thomas Kuhn introduced the concept of paradigms...
Is science a process of accumulation or a series of innovations driven by paradigm shifts?
Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific progress is not simply the accumulation of knowledge, but rather paradigm shifts. New paradigms complement or replace existing theories, and similar shifts occur not only in science, but also in many other fields, such as society and the arts. Science used to be understood as a process of accumulating facts, but Thomas Kuhn went beyond this traditional...
How far should animal rights be respected in the mechanization of production?
Yuval Noah Harari’s Homo sapiens inspired us to reflect on the issue of animal rights. In the past, survival was the priority, but nowadays there is a growing social concern for animal rights and their suffering. It is not only important for animals to survive, but also to fulfill their instinctual needs, and we need to discuss how humans and animals can coexist together. I read...
In The Selfish Gene, is human nature determined by genes or shaped by environment and choice?
In this lesson, we will examine Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene, a theory that explains human nature as the behavior of genes, and discuss how the interaction of genes, environment, and autonomous choice affects human behavior. The term “selfish gene” has been cited in various fields of life sciences in recent years. In my opinion, Richard Dawkins is a scientist who has captured...
Will supranational corporations replace the state, or will the role of the state remain important?
Alvin Toffler predicted that supranational corporations would replace the state by diminishing its role, but the sovereignty of the state and its ability to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens remains important. Globalization is erasing the boundaries between countries, but the role of the state in protecting the rights of its citizens and the pursuit of profit are inherently different...
Why does Richard Dawkins’ theory of the selfish gene fail to explain all of the complex behaviors of animals?
In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins argues that genes determine animal behavior, but his theory doesn’t fully explain complex behaviors, such as learned behavior in monkeys or parental favoritism. In addition, the unproven existence of genes responsible for specific behaviors and several logical holes undermine his theory’s persuasiveness. In his book The Selfish Gene, Richard...
Chocolate-sweet and bittersweet, The Kite Runner: Is Amir a true hero or a man trying to assuage his guilt?
The Kite Runner is a novel about the coming of age of the protagonist, Amir, and it leaves you with a bittersweet feeling that stems from guilt. Amir’s actions seem brave, but they read more like personal guilt relief than true atonement. Chocolate is sweet. Anyone can put a piece of chocolate in their mouth and feel an instant rush of sweetness. But what makes chocolate more popular...
Is adultery a sin in the modern world, or is it an area of personal freedom that should be respected?
This article explores the question of whether adultery can be considered a sin based on Homo Deus. Considering dictionary definitions, modern humanistic values, and legal changes, we discuss why adultery is no longer considered a sin. Read Homo Deus, Part 2, Chapter 7, The Humanist Revolution, which discusses extramarital affairs and adultery. In this section, the most interesting...
If solar energy is infinite, why do we still need to conserve energy?
Drawing on Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, this article explores the importance of energy in capitalist societies and questions whether solar energy and mass-energy equivalence make it possible to obtain infinite energy. It goes on to discuss three reasons why we should conserve energy, pointing out current technological limitations and the efficiency of energy conversion. Yuval Noah...
If AI surpasses human intelligence and consciousness, will we retain our uniqueness?
In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari explores the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, and the possibility of AI surpassing humans in all areas. He asks whether consciousness will preserve our uniqueness, or whether it will eventually render us obsolete. In response, I argue that consciousness may not be what makes us special, and that artificial intelligence may eventually...
Is it morally justifiable for parents to determine a child’s future through genetic design?
Advances in genetic manipulation technology have allowed parents to design their children. While this has positive aspects, such as disease prevention, it also has the potential to distort the nature of life and violate a child’s human rights. The debate over whether genetic design is morally justified continues, and society needs to be prepared for the abuse of the technology...
Who has the right to choose death, and does true love mean holding on or letting go for the ones you love?
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is the story of a man who loses his will to live due to paralysis and the woman who becomes his caregiver, asking questions about life and death, choice, dignity, and the true meaning of love. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that kept me glued to the pages for an entire day. It’s Jojo Moyes’s epic novel Me Before You. When I...
Are the low-entropy societies proposed by Jeremy Rifkin’s Entropy a viable solution to the problems of modern civilization?
This article provides a critical analysis of Jeremy Rifkin’s Entropy. It points out logical fallacies in the author’s views on modern medicine, the development of third world countries, and international organizations, and questions whether his proposed transition to a low-entropy society is a realistic solution. Introduction Humans have always wondered about the future...
Is religious criticism of the Origin of Species a denial of science or an argument for coexistence between evolution and creationism?
Darwin’s Origin of Species has historically caused great friction with religion, and the debate between evolution and creationism continues today. This article will cover religious criticisms of Darwin’s theory of evolution and scientific responses to them, and explore a compromise where the two theories can coexist. At the end of the 19th century, Charles Robert Darwin’s...
The Death of Ivan Ilyich explores why it is only when we face death that we understand the nature of life!
As we consider what I would do today if I were to die tomorrow, we explore how our instinct to fear and avoid death affects the way we live, and how we must consider not only well-being but also well-dying in order to truly live. Through the story of Ivan Ilyich, we examine the connection between death and life, and how facing death allows us to rediscover the meaning of life. I once...
Book Review – Homodeus (What is the meaning of the end of Homo sapiens?)
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the development and future of biotechnology, the meaning of the end of Homo sapiens, and the definition of Homo sapiens. Marvel’s First Avenger, Captain America, has muscles and strength that humans don’t have. Many people envy Captain America’s strength, and now it’s not hard to have them if you have the money. This is thanks...