scientific paradigm
Dominant explanatory model
A scientific paradigm is a framework of theories, methods, and assumptions that defines how research is conducted within a particular field at a given time.
The term gained prominence through philosopher Thomas Kuhn, who argued that science progresses not smoothly but through dramatic "paradigm shifts" when accumulated anomalies force researchers to abandon old frameworks for new ones.
The discovery of DNA created a paradigm shift in biology.
Scientists working within a paradigm share standards for what counts as legitimate problems and acceptable solutions.
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- theoryExplanatory set of principles
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- worldviewComprehensive belief framework
breakthrough · game changer · methodology · hypothesis · consensus · old guard · discovery · falsification · Copernican · puzzle solving · research program · epistemic · lens · conceptual · incommensurable · discipline · textbook · crisis
scientific paradigmreligious dogma
Fixed spiritual beliefs
superstition · pseudoscience · magical thinking · folk belief · mysticism
scientific paradigmAristotelian physics
Ancient Greek motion theory
phlogiston theory · geocentrism · alchemy · astrology · creationism
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