Law, science, and paradigms

Abstract

This article presents a commentary on Nicolás Salvi’s La condición multiparadigmática del derecho. It examines the relevance of Kuhn’s framework for thinking about the scientific status of law, given that this model links normal science to the presence of a dominant paradigm, which seems to contrast with the pluralism observed in the legal field. Based on this observation, the article analyzes how Salvi draws on an expanded version of Thomas Kuhn, informed by George Ritzer’s work, to argue for the possibility of a multiparadigmatic legal science. It also reflects on the scope of the term “science” in legal discourse, considering its classificatory and evaluative implications. The commentary focuses on the descriptive approach adopted by the book, which maps the existing theoretical matrices without ranking them or resolving their internal disputes. The article concludes by noting that this proposal clearly outlines the current state of legal studies and encourages an open debate on their scientific conditions.