Meaning: The quote "Crisis alone is not enough. There must also be a basis, though it need be neither rational nor ultimately correct, for faith in the particular candidate chosen" by Thomas Kuhn addresses the concept of scientific revolutions and paradigm shifts. Thomas Kuhn, an American physicist, historian, and philosopher of science, is best known for his influential book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," in which he introduced the notion of scientific paradigms and paradigm shifts.

In this quote, Kuhn is suggesting that a crisis or anomaly in the existing scientific paradigm is not sufficient to bring about a shift in scientific thinking. He argues that for a new paradigm to emerge, there must also be a basis for faith in the new candidate theory or framework, even if that basis is not necessarily rational or ultimately correct. This challenges the traditional view of scientific progress as a purely rational and objective process and highlights the role of subjective factors in scientific revolutions.

Kuhn's concept of scientific revolutions revolves around the idea that scientific progress is not always a smooth and continuous accumulation of knowledge, but rather punctuated by periods of revolutionary change. According to Kuhn, scientific communities operate within a dominant paradigm or set of accepted theoretical and methodological assumptions, which he refers to as "normal science." Normal science is characterized by puzzle-solving activities and the application of established theories within the existing paradigm.

However, when anomalies or contradictions emerge that cannot be explained within the existing paradigm, a crisis ensues. This crisis challenges the prevailing scientific framework and paves the way for the emergence of a new paradigm. Kuhn argues that during these periods of crisis, subjective factors such as intuition, creativity, and persuasion play a crucial role in the acceptance of a new candidate theory or paradigm.

The quote emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in the scientific community's acceptance of a new paradigm. Kuhn suggests that this faith does not necessarily need to be rational or ultimately correct, indicating that subjective and social factors, as well as the persuasive power of the proponents of the new paradigm, can influence the shift in scientific thinking. This challenges the traditional view of scientific progress as solely driven by empirical evidence and rational argumentation.

Kuhn's ideas have sparked significant debate and controversy within the philosophy of science. Critics have argued that his emphasis on subjective and social factors undermines the objectivity and rationality of scientific inquiry. However, supporters of Kuhn's work contend that his analysis provides a more realistic and nuanced understanding of how scientific revolutions actually occur.

In conclusion, Thomas Kuhn's quote "Crisis alone is not enough. There must also be a basis, though it need be neither rational nor ultimately correct, for faith in the particular candidate chosen" sheds light on the complex nature of scientific revolutions and paradigm shifts. It underscores the role of subjective factors and faith in the acceptance of new scientific frameworks, challenging the traditional view of scientific progress as purely rational and objective. Kuhn's ideas continue to stimulate discussions and reflections on the nature of scientific change and the factors that shape the evolution of scientific knowledge.