  Thomas S. Kuhn interprets the development of the (natural) sciences as a
specific dynamical process. Periods of piecemeal growth of knowledge based on
widely accepted paradigms are interrupted by bursts of revolutionary changes
which lead to new paradigms incommensurate with the earlier ones. This process
is briefly illustrated by recalling the changes to classical physics brought
about by Einstein's theory of relativity on the one hand, and by quantum theory
on the other. Both theories represent fundamental paradigms of contemporary
physics. They appear unshakable to the working physicist but according to Kuhn
their paradigmatic status is of a temporary nature only. Does Kuhn's framework
help us to identify potential future revolutions?
