paradigmash

Paradigmash is a neologism used in the philosophy of science and science studies to refer to the residual cluster of ideas, methods, and practices that persist after a paradigm shift. The term combines paradigm with ash to evoke what remains after the old order is torn down or superseded.

A paradigmash includes not just old theories that are disproven, but the working conventions that stay in use—models, measurement techniques, training materials, and institutional routines—that continue to guide inquiry and education even as they are increasingly seen as outdated.

In analysis, the concept helps explain why new frameworks take time to fully replace old ones, and how seemingly incompatible approaches may coexist as layers within a field. It emphasizes continuity and fragility of scientific change, and how legacy elements influence new questions and evaluations.

Examples may include the persistence of classical mechanics in engineering calculations despite relativity, or the continued use of symbolic AI-inspired reasoning patterns alongside modern data-driven methods in AI research. In software engineering, legacy codebases and design patterns from earlier paradigms often shape current development choices.

Critics argue that paradigmash may be vague or overly deterministic; its usefulness depends on clear boundaries between obsolete and still-operational components. The term remains informal and is not widely adopted in formal theory. See also: paradigm, paradigm shift, residual category, legacy code.