Thomas Kuhn, Hyperbole, and the Ashtray: Evidence of Morris' Faulty Memory. Issue 1 (22nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wray, K. Brad
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 90:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2023-01-22
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1017/psa.2022.20
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract: Errol Morris has claimed that Kuhn threw an ashtray at him during a dispute about some matter in the history of science. Morris also claims that Kuhn threw him out of the graduate program at Princeton for disagreeing with him. I argue that Morris's attack on Kuhn contains some degree of hyperbole. Further, I present evidence that shows that Morris is mistaken about key events during this period. In fact, Kuhn was supportive of Morris in his pursuit of a career in the history of science.