Online Content

1. Sterman, John D., "The Growth of Knowledge: Testing a Theory of Scientific Revolutions with a Formal Model"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
1981
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, 4a97153f59047c298f3bcd6b15c284f5, and e8eac154b3129692f26c222dbc2c9466
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/bv73ch26b?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T18:35:57Z
Description:
There has been a dramatic upheaval in our conception of science in recent years. The old notion that science is a logical, rational enterprise continually adding to the stockpile of knowledge has been challenged; many now recognize that the evolution of science is punctuated by violent disruptions. During such crises, or scientific revolutions, a tried and true theory is abandoned for an untested and often heretical alternative. The new theory destroys the old rather than building upon it, and thought he successor may flourish for centuries eventually another crisis develops and another revolution occurs. Some even claim that science is completely anarchic, more a no-holds-barred brawl than a calm, reasoned investigation of reality.