PARADIGMER: Hva Kuhns vitenskapsteori kan fortelle om religionshistorisk faghistorie

Abstract

This article argues that Kuhn's theory of scientific development may be fruitfully applied to the humanities and social sciences. Central to the discussion are problems concerning Kuhn's terms paradigm and anomaly (unwarranted scientific result), and possible analogies within the human sciences. Drawing on examples from the history of religions, the article points to resemblances and differences between the natural sciences and the humanities, without granting the socalled hard sciences a privileged position as providing a norm for scientific activity. The articles sees Kuhn's main contribution as providing a framework for self-criticism and discussions of norms and values as an integral part of the activities pursued by a scientific community.