Paradigmateoria

Paradigmateoria, often translated as paradigm theory, is a concept primarily associated with the philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn. Kuhn introduced the term in his influential 1962 book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. A paradigm, in this context, refers to a universally recognized scientific achievement that for a time provides a foundation for further practice. It encompasses not just theories and laws, but also the exemplars, the shared values, and the problem-solving methods that guide a scientific community.

During periods of normal science, researchers work within an established paradigm, solving puzzles and extending its reach. However, anomalies, or observations that do not fit the existing paradigm, can accumulate. When these anomalies become too significant to ignore, they can trigger a scientific revolution. This revolution involves a shift to a new paradigm, which offers a fundamentally different way of understanding the world. This transition is often met with resistance as it challenges deeply ingrained assumptions and practices. The change in paradigm is not simply a matter of adding new knowledge, but a restructuring of the entire scientific worldview.