Homework

Assignment 1 - ESS 362 / 562

Due 18 January 2005

1. Required reading: Introduction, Chapters I-V of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn.

2. In the first part of Kuhn's essay, all scientific activity begins as pre-science until a paradigm emerges for understanding observations and experiments. Based on readings from your introductory astronomy course (e.g., ESS 111), identify an activity (past or current) in astronomy you would describe as pre-science. Explain using an example not cited in Kuhn's book. Provide references and citations.
   
   
3. In the second part of Kuhn's essay, he describes Normal Science as the activity most scientists undertake once a paradigm has been established. Again, based on readings from your introductory astronomy course (e.g., ESS 111), identify an activitiy (past or current) in astronomy you would describe as normal science. Explain using an example not cited in Kuhn's book. Provide references and citations.