Duhem and the continuity thesis

some metaphors in the history of science

Authors

Keywords:

Continuity, Evolution, Revolution, Medieval science, Duhem

Abstract

The historical characterization of scientific development was impacted by the writings of Pierre Duhem, especially by his investigations into medieval science. Despite being hailed as an immense contribution to the history of science, his work did not pass unscathed through  criticism. Many of his interpreters have questioned his defense of the continuity of science, which is understood as the denial of revolutionary changes. In this work, Duhem's perspective on scientific development is discussed based on some metaphors he used. While arguing in favor of their importance for understanding the notion of continuity, this article seeks to show how they are used in a distorted way by some of his critics.

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Published

2021-12-22

How to Cite

DE JESUS OLIVEIRA, Amélia; DE OLIVEIRA GUARSONI, João Henrique. Duhem and the continuity thesis: some metaphors in the history of science. Faces da História, [S. l.], v. 8, n. 02, p. 37–55, 2021. Disponível em: https://pem.assis.unesp.br/index.php/facesdahistoria/article/view/2142. Acesso em: 25 dec. 2024.