Philosophy Quote by Kathryn Schulz
![“Here is Thomas Kuhn, the philosopher of science, describing the way scientists react when their pet theories are unraveling: “What scientists never do when confronted by even severe and prolonged anomalies,” Kuhn wrote, “…. [is] renounce the paradigm that led them into crisis.” Instead, he…” quote by Kathryn Schulz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/633/kathryn-schulz-7782_philosophy_here-is-thomas-kuhn-the-philosopher-of-s_1990409.jpg)
““Here is Thomas Kuhn, the philosopher of science, describing the way scientists react when their pet theories are unraveling: “What scientists never do when confronted by even severe and prolonged anomalies,” Kuhn wrote, “…. [is] renounce the paradigm that led them into crisis.” Instead, he concluded, “A scientific theory is declared invalid only if an alternate candidate is available to take its place.” That is, scientific theories very seldom collapse under the weight of their own inadequacy. They topple only when a new and seemingly better belief turns up to replace it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn, 1962
Scientists cling to existing paradigms despite anomalies, only abandoning them when a viable alternative appears.
In simple terms: Scientists resist change until a better theory replaces the old one.
Key Takeaway
Seek alternatives before discarding current models.
Themes
science
paradigm shift
resistance
change
progress
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research funding decisions
- academic debates
- policy making
- technology adoption
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
theory change
anomaly response
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you to abandon a long‑held belief?
- How do institutional pressures affect paradigm shifts?
A Different Perspective
New theories may be unavailable, prolonging reliance on flawed models.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
