No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

In the postscript of the second edition of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Kuhn explicates his conception of paradigms by introducing the notion disciplinary matrix that consists of the four essential components symbolic generalizations, models, values and exemplars. In this paper, we focus on the model component of a disciplinary matrix that Kuhn (1996Kuhn ( [1962: 184) characterises as the metaphysical part of paradigms and the function of which for actual scientific praxis, however, is underdetermined in philosophical paradigm research. By means of a case study in linguistics, we will analyse the interplay of the model component of a paradigm (hereafter: paradigm-model) and empirical research that is carried out by a particular research program based on the corresponding paradigm-model. To this end, we will analyse the linguistic Pro Drop-Parameter Research Program in the time period from 1971 to 1987 by means of the Structuralist view of theories. The research program is based on the parameter paradigm-model of the superordinate paradigm of Generative Grammar that, in turn, is affected by the evolution of the research program. In our analysis, the evolution of the Pro Drop-Parameter Research Program will turn out to be theoretically regressive. By means of three real scientific examples we will demonstrate how the theoretical regression of the research program retroacts on the metaphysical parameter paradigm-model of Generative Grammar.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract