parádigma

Paradigma, derived from the Greek word "paradeigma" meaning pattern or example, refers to a fundamental framework or model that shapes how we understand and approach a particular field of study or phenomenon. It encompasses a set of core beliefs, theories, methods, and assumptions that are widely accepted within a community and guide their research and practice. Think of it as a set of lenses through which a group views the world.

Thomas Kuhn, in his seminal work "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," popularized the concept of paradigm in the context of scientific progress. He argued that scientific fields do not advance linearly but rather through periodic shifts in their dominant paradigms. These shifts, known as paradigm shifts, occur when anomalies or inconsistencies within the existing framework accumulate to a point where a new and more encompassing model emerges, eventually replacing the old one.

Examples of paradigms can be found across various disciplines. In physics, the Newtonian paradigm, which described motion and gravity with great success, was eventually challenged and surpassed by the Einsteinian paradigm of relativity. In sociology, functionalism and conflict theory represent different paradigms for understanding social structures and dynamics. Understanding the prevailing paradigm in any given field is crucial for comprehending its current state, its historical development, and the potential for future advancements.