Paradigmeskifte

Paradigmeskifte is a term used in various fields, including philosophy, history, and science, to describe a significant change or shift in a prevailing worldview, framework, or understanding of the world. This change often occurs when new evidence, perspectives, or ideas challenge the existing paradigm and lead to a profound transformation.

The concept of paradigms was popularized by Thomas Kuhn in his 1962 book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," where he described how scientific theories and methods can be revolutionized when a new paradigm emerges. Kuhn argued that scientific progress is not always a gradual and linear process, but rather occurs in sudden and drastic shifts, which he termed "paradigms."

Paradigms are often characterized by a core set of assumptions, theories, and methods that shape the way problems are understood and addressed. A paradigm shift, therefore, involves a re-evaluation of these assumptions and a change in the way people think about and approach problems. This can be accompanied by a change in dominant research questions, methods, and conclusions.

Examples of paradigm shifts can be found in various fields, including physics, astronomy, and mathematics. For instance, the shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric model of the universe, or the transition from Euclidean geometry to non-Euclidean geometry. In other fields, paradigm shifts can be observed in the development of new theories, such as the theory of evolution in biology or the theory of plate tectonics in geology.