ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates the merits of a hermeneutico-dialogical approach to rationality in terms of its ability to underwrite a productive new approach to the rationality of paradigm disputes having the potential to resolve significant problems inherent in Kuhn's original statement of his position. Building on a suggestion by Kuhn himself, the Doppelt/Siegel debate centres on the viability of an appeal to criteria as a basis for underwriting the rationality of paradigm disputes. The strength of the dialogical approach in its application to this domain is that it can provide productive new insight into the rationality of paradigm debate, and do so in a manner which builds on the strengths of Kuhn's own stance while overcoming its more telling limitations. Central to the logic of this account is the concept of an interactive process of transformative criticism whereby participants are enabled to find and build on common ground, while learning from difference.
