The aim of this project is to discern possible patterns in the changes of epistemic frameworks and in the
way in which factors cause or stimulate such changes. Article 1 illustrates forms of consensus between
the views of various prominent 20th century philosophers of science on the characteristics and functions
of pre-scientific frameworks in scientific activity. This is done by highlighting various helpful insights
from the reformational tradition as a point of departure. Article 2 attempts to achieve more clarity on
how changes in epistemic frameworks occur, whilst article 3 discerns the factors influencing framework
change. Article 4 illustrates and evaluates the relationship between change and constancy in the
viewpoints of various philosophers and scientists throughout history. The project suggests that change
and constancy can be related to epistemic frameworks according to a pattern referring to the
irreducibility of coherents where change and constancy exist in cohesion. As a consequence, change is
never completely random or absolute. Although a broad variety of factors play a role in framework
changes, a pattern can be discerned in the sense that some factors play a regulative role, so that change
is dynamic but not arbitrary. / Thesis (PhD (Philosophy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/8720 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Loubser, Ruth Ananka |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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