Paradigms and scientific revolutions in epidemiology

The article analyses the philosophical ideas of the American historian and philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn; who introduced such key concepts as “paradigm” and “paradigm shift” into scientific usage. These concepts underpin his approach to the development of science. Kuhn’s ideas and his work “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” (1962); which outlines the main provisions of his doctrine; remain one of the most quoted in world science. However; in the Russian language literature; especially in the context of medical science; they are not sufficiently covered. According to Kuhn; the accumulation of knowledge occurs gradually only in periods of “normal science”; the main development of science occurs abruptly; through scientific revolutions; which are associated with the change of paradigms. Under the paradigm; Kuhn understands “recognized scientific achievements that for a time provide model problems and solutions to a community of practitioner”. At the same time; the term “scientific revolutions” used by Kuhn covers all transformations in science – from minor changes to large-scale transformations; which is not always logically justified. Russian philosopher V.S. Styopin identifies four major scientific revolutions; covering the period of formation of modern science from the 17th century to the present day. The article proposes to interpret global scientific changes through V.S. Styopin’s classification; considering the change of paradigms (according to Kuhn); occurring within these main stages; as “discrete transformations”. The article attempts to familiarize domestic specialists with the development of science as a process of paradigm shift; considered in the context of epidemiological studies.