Thomas Kuhn (1922-96) transformed the philosophy of science. His seminal 1962 work "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" introduced the term 'paradigm shift' into the vernacular and remains a fundamental text in the study of the history and philosophy of science. This introduction to Kuhn's ideas covers the breadth of his philosophical work, situating "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" within Kuhn's wider thought and drawing attention to the development of his ideas over time. Kuhn's work is assessed within the context of other philosophies of science notably logical empiricism and recent developments in naturalized epistemology. The author argues that Kuhn's thinking betrays a residual commitment to many theses characteristic of the empiricists he set out to challenge. Kuhn's influence on the history and philosophy of science is assessed and where the field may be heading in the wake of Kuhn's ideas is explored.

"Superb ... as a contribution to the subtleties of Kuhnian issues it makes very substantial contributions. As a straightforward introduction for serious beginners to Kuhn's philosophy of science, Bird's book is surely the best thing going." - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science "For those not familiar with Kuhn's views, the book will serve as a balanced and accessible introduction. For those already engaged with the literature on Kuhn, the book is an important contribution, which advances discussion of several of the leading themes in the literature. I highly recommend the book for specialist and novice alike, as a readable, informative and critical overview of Kuhn." - The Philosophical Quarterly

Alexander Bird is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Bristol.