Paradigm Theory

Paradigm Theory, developed by Thomas Kuhn, suggests that scientific progress occurs through shifts in overarching frameworks called paradigms. A paradigm is like a collective set of beliefs, methods, and standards shared by a scientific community. When anomalies—facts that don’t fit the current paradigm—accumulate, scientists may experience a scientific crisis, leading to a paradigm shift—an entirely new way of understanding the world. This process emphasizes that science isn’t just about accumulating facts but involves changing perspectives to better explain phenomena, shaping how we interpret and investigate reality over time.