Paradigm
paradigm |ˈparəˌdīm|
noun
- technical a typical example or pattern of something; a model: there is a new paradigm for public art in this country. See note at model.
- a worldview underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject : the discovery of universal gravitation became the paradigm of successful science.
ORIGIN late 15th cent.: via late Latin from Greek paradeigma, from paradeiknunai ‘show side by side,’ from para- ‘beside’ + deiknunai ‘to show.’
(from Apple’s Dictionary, 2.0.2, 2005—2009)
This definition of “paradigm” is not particularly accurate or helpful. A better way to think of “paradigm” has to do with the following characteristic features. A paradigm involves:
- A worldview or set of reasonably compatible worldviews, including values and assumptions.
- A set of theoretical and conceptual frameworks that comprise a domain of interest and inquiry.
- The research methodologies that comprise the array of inquiry tools used within the paradigm and that are consistent with the worldview(s) and theoretical frameworks of the paradigm.
- The practices and discourses characteristic of the particular paradigm.
Rather than an underlying framework, paradigms are more of a contextual framework.
Who view is best or correct? And for which culture or society will it benefit?