Paradigms are overarching frameworks or models that shape how we understand and interpret reality within a particular field or context. In science, philosophy, and social structures, paradigms establish the foundational beliefs, methods, and standards that guide thinking and practice. They define what is considered valid knowledge, set the rules for enquiry, and influence how problems are approached and solved. Paradigms are typically shared by a community and evolve over time, often shifting dramatically through what philosopher Thomas Kuhn termed “paradigm shifts,” where a dominant framework is replaced by a new one due to anomalies or new discoveries. These shifts drive significant changes in understanding, marking major progress or transformation in thought.

ChatGPT