paradigmái

A paradigm, in the context of the philosophy of science, refers to a fundamental framework or set of assumptions that guides scientific inquiry and practice within a particular discipline. The term was popularized by the philosopher Thomas Kuhn in his influential 1962 book, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." A paradigm encompasses not only theories and laws but also the accepted methods, standards, and even the worldview of a scientific community.

Before the adoption of a new paradigm, a field of science typically operates under an established one. This established paradigm provides the questions that are considered valid to ask, the methods deemed appropriate for investigation, and the criteria for evaluating evidence and solutions. Scientists working within a paradigm tend to engage in "normal science," which involves solving puzzles and extending the scope of the existing theoretical framework.

However, anomalies, or observations that do not fit within the current paradigm, can accumulate. When these anomalies become too significant to ignore or explain away, they can lead to a period of "crisis." This crisis may ultimately result in a "scientific revolution," during which the old paradigm is overthrown and replaced by a new, incompatible one. This shift is not merely a matter of adding new knowledge but a fundamental change in the way scientists perceive and interact with the world. Examples of paradigm shifts include the Copernican revolution in astronomy, which replaced the geocentric model with the heliocentric one, and the development of quantum mechanics in physics.