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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
Kuhnian revolutions in neuroscience: the role of tool development
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY UK.
Abstract:
The terms "paradigm" and "paradigm shift" originated in "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn. A paradigm can be defined as the generally accepted concepts and practices of a field, and a paradigm shift its replacement in a scientific revolution. A paradigm shift results from a crisis caused by anomalies in a paradigm that reduce its usefulness to a field. Claims of paradigm shifts and revolutions are made frequently in the neurosciences. In this article I will consider neuroscience paradigms, and the claim that new tools and techniques rather than crises have driven paradigm shifts. I will argue that tool development has played a minor role in neuroscience revolutions.
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