Paradigmojen

Paradigmojen is a term in philosophy of science and social theory that describes a dynamic constellation of coexisting paradigms that shape how problems are defined, evidence is interpreted, and solutions pursued within a field. It rejects the idea of a single universally dominant framework and instead emphasizes the interactions, tensions, and occasional syntheses among multiple worldviews, including scientific, normative, practical, and organizational perspectives. Knowledge, in this view, is seen as contingent on social context, institutions, and power relations.

Origin and usage: The term arose in Nordic academic discourse in the late 1990s and has since appeared in studies of science and technology studies, environmental governance, and organizational theory. It is used to analyze how different paradigms coexist in a given domain and how shifts in politics, technology, or culture can reconfigure their relationships.

Key implications: Paradigmojen encourages pluralism in research design and methodology, supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration and mixed-methods approaches. In policy and governance, it underlines the value of deliberation and inclusive consultation to accommodate divergent perspectives. In education, it supports curricula that cultivate reflexivity and the ability to navigate competing frameworks.

Limitations and critique: Some critics warn that the concept can be overly vague and may risk relativism or indecision if not carefully operationalized. Others note the challenge of mapping and comparing paradigms across domains and the potential for power imbalances to shape which paradigms prevail.

See also: paradigm shift, paradigm pluralism, science and technology studies, post-normal science.