What Is a Paradigm Shift

You hear the phrase â€Å"paradigm shift† all the time, and not just in philosophy.  People talk about paradigm shifts in all sorts of areas: medicine, politics, psychology, and sports.  But what, exactly, is a paradigm shift?  And where does the term come from? The term â€Å"paradigm shift† was coined by the American philosopher Thomas Kuhn (1922- 1996).  It is one of the central concepts in his hugely influential work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, published in 1962.  To understand what it means, you first have to understand the notion of a paradigm theory. Paradigm Theory A paradigm theory is a general theory that helps to provide scientists working in a particular field with their broad theoretical framework—what Kuhn calls their â€Å"conceptual scheme.†Ã‚  It provides them with their basic assumptions, key concepts, and methodology.  It gives their research its general direction and goals. It represents an exemplary model of good science within a particular discipline. Examples of Paradigm Theories Ptolemy’s geocentric model of the universe (with the earth at the center)Copernicus’ heliocentric astronomy (with the sun at the center)Aristotle’s physicsGalileos mechanicsThe medieval theory of the four â€Å"humors† in medicineIsaac Newtons theory of gravityJohn Dalton’s atomic theoryCharles Darwins theory of evolutionAlbert Einstein’s theory of relativityQuantum mechanicsThe theory of plate tectonics in geologyGerm theory in medicineGene theory in biology Paradigm Shift Definition A paradigm shift occurs when one paradigm theory is replaced by another. Here are some examples: Ptolemy’s astronomy giving way to Copernican astronomyAristotle’s physics (which held that material objects had essential natures that determined their behavior) giving way to the physics of Galileo and Newton (which viewed the behavior of material objects as being governed by laws of nature).Newtonian physics (which held time and space to be the same everywhere, for all observers) giving way to Einsteinian physics (which holds time and space to be relative to the observer’s frame of reference). Causes of a Paradigm Shift Kuhn was interested in the way science makes progress.  In his view, science can’t really get going until most of those working within a field agree upon a paradigm.  Before this happens, everyone is doing her own thing in her own way, and you can’t have the sort of collaboration and teamwork that is characteristic of professional science today. Once a paradigm theory is established, those working within it can start doing what Kuhn calls â€Å"normal science.†Ã‚  This covers most scientific activity.  Normal science is the business of solving specific puzzles, collecting data, and making calculations. Normal science includes: Working out how far each planet in the solar system is from the sunCompleting the map of the  human genomeEstablishing the evolutionary descent of a particular species But every so often in the history of science, normal science throws up anomalies—results that can’t easily be explained within the dominant paradigm.  A few puzzling findings by themselves wouldn’t justify ditching a paradigm theory that has been successful.  But sometimes the inexplicable results start piling up, and this eventually leads to what Kuhn describes as a â€Å"crisis.† Examples of Crises Leading to Paradigm Shifts At the end of the 19th century, the inability to detect the ether—an invisible medium posited to explain how light traveled and how gravity operated—eventually led to the theory of relativity. In the 18th century, the fact that some metals gained mass when burned was at odds with phlogiston theory. This theory held that combustible materials contained phlogiston, a substance that was released through burning.  Eventually, the theory was replaced by Antoine Lavoisier’s theory that combustion requires oxygen. Changes That Occur During a Paradigm Shift The obvious answer to this question is that what changes is simply the theoretical opinions of scientists working in the field.  But Kuhn’s view is more radical and more controversial than that.  He argues that the world, or reality, cannot be described independently of the conceptual schemes through which we observe it.  Paradigm theories are part of our conceptual schemes.  So when a paradigm shift occurs, in some sense the world changes.  Or to put it another way, scientists working under different paradigms are studying different worlds. For example, if Aristotle watched a stone swinging like a pendulum on the end of a rope, he would see the stone trying to reach its natural state: at rest, on the ground.  But Newton wouldn’t see this; he’d see a stone obeying the laws of gravity and energy transference.  Or to take another example: Before Darwin, anyone comparing a human face and a monkey’s face would be struck by the differences; after Darwin, they would be struck by the similarities. Science Progresses Through Paradigm Shifts Kuhn’s claim that in a paradigm shift the reality that is being studied changes is highly controversial.  His critics argue that this â€Å"non-realist† point of view leads to a sort of relativism, and hence to the conclusion that scientific progress has nothing to do with getting closer to the truth. Kuhn seems to accept this.  But he says he still believes in scientific progress since he believes that later theories are usually better than earlier theories in that they are more precise, deliver more powerful predictions, offer fruitful research programs, and are more elegant. Another consequence of Kuhn’s theory of paradigm shifts is that science does not progress in an even way, gradually accumulating knowledge and deepening its explanations.  Rather, disciplines alternate between periods of normal science conducted within a dominant paradigm, and periods of revolutionary science when an emerging crisis requires a new paradigm. That is what paradigm shift originally meant, and what it still means in the philosophy of science.  When used outside philosophy, though, it often just means a significant change in theory or practice.  So events like the introduction of high definition TVs, or the acceptance of gay marriage, might be described as involving a paradigm shift.

Community Based Support Group Observation And Reaction Paper

Community-based support group observation and reaction paper is the first assignment that has to be completed for my class Social Work with Groups. In this assignment, I will discuss how I located the support group of my choice, what I was able to observe in the group session, and feelings or reactions I had during the process. This assignment will give a look into my first experience attending a real-life support group session from the other side of the coin. On this occasion, I was able to experience it from the point of view of a group member and not a facilitator which is definitely a shift in roles. Being able to go through this experience gives me the opportunity to experience a session firsthand and be able to observe and identify†¦show more content†¦While I waited this elderly man came and put up a sign on the doorknob that read Al-Anon. At that moment, I found myself surprised that they publically pointed out what type of group was held in that timeframe. Finally, I went in to the auditorium which was this big space and right in the middle of this space was a circle. Within the circle there were cardboards that read different quotes or saying used a lot in the program and a small basket. As I got closer to where the people were standing it felt strange because nobody acknowledged my presence. I was looking kind of lost when I was received by the facilitator who was a friendly woman who called upon the group so that she could introduce me and gave me the opportunity to explain that I was a MSW student from Simmons College and my purpose of being with them that night. The facilitator explained to them that I was aware of the importance of confidentiality and that I was not allowed to take pictures or takes notes. She then led me to a seat in the circle and gave me a book so that I could participate in the reading of the 12 steps and traditions with the rest of the group. I felt intimidated and uneasy while I was introducing myself to the group because I did not get a reaction from them, thus, I was unsure if they were uncomfortable with my presence. Although, I perceived that they seemed to be a quiet group because when I initially entered no one was mingling,Show MoreRelatedFunny Thing About Sociology : Time920 Words   |  4 Pagesprogressing into their sexual identity? â€Å"So, it will be the nature of the question to which you want to find answers that determines your choice of method.† (McIntyre p. 81) Research methods come in a number of styles including literary review, observation, surveys, and unobtrusive methods. No one-way is better then the other not to mention strength and weaknesses come with each research method. 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Argumentative Essay Classmate vs Parents Free Essays

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: â€Å"Classmates have more influence on a child’s success in school than parents do†. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Excellent academic performance is the dream of almost every kid. We will write a custom essay sample on Argumentative Essay: Classmate vs Parents or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are many factors affecting children’s success in school, two of which are classmates and parents. The question that who has played more important role seems to be a controversial issue. Personally I think parents somehow contribute more due to the following reasons. Firstly it is often said that parents are who understand kids the most. Not only do they have a thorough picture of the children’s interest, but they are also able to figure out their strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to the affluent experience they have got, parents are supposed to be the perfect kid’s consultants in school life, giving them good advice under any circumstances. Although dad and mom may not help with the academic knowledge, they can still share the working skills, for example time management, or assist effectively in case of affection trouble, like a puppy love. If it hadn’t been for parental orientation, there must be many of us who could not be that successful in school. Moreover, it will be very hard for any kids to conquer the study peak if there is no parental support in term of time and money. There are many obvious examples here in Vietnam showing the incredible efforts of rural parents who determine to sell everything in the house in order that their kids can take the university entrance examination. I myself still remember the time of primary school when my father had to travel approximately 20 kilometers every morning to take me to class; how much I owe him! Unconditional love is the only reason for these endless sacrifices. Opponents who think that classmates may have greater influence on study success have their point in arguing that same-aged friends can are better at helping each other in school subjects; and excellent peers can have a very good impact on kids. It is undeniable that classmates also play an important role in children’s academic performance as well as school relationships. However, the question is, how many of a kid’s peers can stand by his side through hard time in such a long study life? Classmates are not as experienced as parents to help kids make up their minds in crucial study decision as well. While school fellows are kids’ partners, parents are their life-time companions. To sum up, I want to emphasize that both classmates and parents do influence over a child’s academic performance, but the latters have a bigger saying. And kids need many other factors to be successful, not only in school, but in their future life. How to cite Argumentative Essay: Classmate vs Parents, Essay examples