Thomas S. Kuhn was an American historian and philosopher of science whose work profoundly influenced the understanding of scientific progress. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he earned a doctorate in theoretical physics from Harvard University before shifting his focus to the history and philosophy of science. His seminal 1962 work, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," challenged conventional views by proposing that scientific advancement occurs through paradigm shifts rather than linear progression. This groundbreaking theory sparked widespread debate across disciplines and established Kuhn as a leading figure in the philosophy of science.
Kuhn's academic career spanned prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, the University of California at Berkeley, Princeton University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he later served as professor emeritus of philosophy. His interdisciplinary approach bridged physics, history, and philosophy, exemplified in works like "Black-Body Theory and the Quantum Discontinuity, 1894–1912." Kuhn's analysis of scientific paradigms and revolutionary change redefined scholarly discourse, leaving a lasting legacy in both the humanities and natural sciences.