Abstract: Although the traditional theory of terminology had borne many questionings, the development of terminology is not lingering about at the cross road. On the contrary, the structuring of terminology is becoming much more robust, vigorous and full of ambitions. Based on the perspective of philosophy of science, we discuss a new thought “regarding the structuring of terminology as a scientific research program” proposed by the western scholars, and analyze the role of communicative theory of terminology (CTT) in the development of terminology.

Key words: Scientific Research Program, core, protective belt, positive heuristic, terminological unit