Do Radical Discoveries Require Ontological Shifts

Abstract: The theoretical stance explicated in this chapter assumes that scientific discoveries often require that the problem-solver (either the scientist or the inventor) re-conceptualizes the problem in a way that crosses ontological categories. Examples of the highest level of ontological categories are ENTITIES, PROCESSES, and MENTAL STATES. Discoveries might be explained as the outcome of the process of switching the problem representation to a different ontological category. Examples from contemporary and the history of science will be presented to support this radical ontological change hypothesis.

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