What is a PARADIGM ?

• a mental model

• a way of seeing

• a filter for one's perceptions

• a frame of reference

• a framework of thought or beliefs through which one's world or reality is interpreted

• an example used to define a phenomenon

• a commonly held belief among a group of people, such as scientists of a given discipline

Without doubt, the modern use of the word "paradigm" has its roots most commonly traceable to the ideas of the late Harvard-affiliated scientist and philosopher, Thomas Kuhn.

Thomas Kuhn, in the Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962):

A paradigm is "...a constellation of concepts, values, perceptions and practices shared by a community which forms a particular vision of reality that is the basis of the way a community organises itself."

Thomas Kuhn Links:

Thomas Kuhn, Theory of the Scientific Revolution

Thomas Kuhn, 1922-1996

Thomas Kuhn's Theory of Scientific Revolutions

Thomas Kuhn (1922-1996)

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Development of Western Thought

Thomas Kuhn

ALTA VISTA Search Results for "Thomas Kuhn"

Other Paradigm-related links

NASSNL: Vol. III, issue 7: 20 June 1996

A Metaphor for a Worldwide Paradigm Shift

What's this New Information Paradigm stuff all about then?