paradigmavormen

Paradigmavormen is a concept in sociological and philosophical analysis that denotes the structured set of forms through which a paradigm is enacted and maintained within a community. It emphasizes patterns of practice rather than isolated beliefs, focusing on how a paradigm becomes legible and routinized in everyday activity.

It encompasses norms, routines, institutions, methodologies, languages, and evaluative criteria that support the paradigm's legitimacy and persistence, beyond the core propositions of the paradigm themselves. The term is used primarily in theoretical discussions and is not a universally adopted label, reflecting its role as a heuristic for analyzing social and epistemic stability.

In studies of science and knowledge, paradigmavormen include peer review standards, publication practices, funding models, educational curricula, professional associations, and technical infrastructures that channel inquiry. These components shape what counts as valid evidence, which questions are asked, and how discoveries are communicated, thereby reinforcing the prevailing paradigm.

The concept is useful for analyzing how paradigms endure even in the face of anomalies, often by adjusting surrounding practices rather than overturning the central theory. It also highlights how institutional and cultural forces—rather than purely theoretical considerations—contribute to the adoption and persistence of particular worldviews.

Critics argue that paradigmavormen can obscure power dynamics or suppress dissent by privileging established forms, potentially limiting innovation. Proponents counter that the concept clarifies the social machinery of knowledge production and helps identify leverage points for change. See also paradigm, Kuhn, social construction, scientific revolution.