Abstract

SARAIVA, Ignacio. Information science and paradigms: a review from Kuhnian philosophy. Estud.filos [online]. 2025, n.72, pp.164-185.  Epub Sep 04, 2025. ISSN 0121-3628.  https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.ef.356885.

Information science has tried to consolidate its scientific status on the basis of Kuhnian conceptions of science. Thus, the notion of paradigm is central to analyze its epistemological problems. Several authors have postulated different paradigms for the area, with the understanding that the attainment of a paradigm will allow its consolidation and unification. The main developments of paradigms within the discipline are analyzed, as well as other elements of the Kuhnian perspective. A critical review of the application of the notions present in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions to the epistemological and historical reconstruction of the field is made. It is concluded that the Kuhnian philosophy provides propositional elements when thinking about epistemological problems, since the ability to articulate and generate consensus is found in the community and the assumption of a successful tradition of problem solving.

Keywords : Thomas Kuhn; paradigms; incommensurability; epistemology of information science; history of information science.

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