What is Bachelard's concept of epistemological break?
An epistemological break, or 'rupture,' is the fundamental discontinuity that separates a new scientific understanding from the erroneous opinions and preconceptions of the past. It's not a gradual refinement, but a decisive break, often involving a 're-formation' of our thinking. To truly grasp a new scientific concept, one must first break free from the obstacles of common sense and prior, now superseded, knowledge. This active negation is essential for scientific progress.
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