Paradigm

In science and philosophy, a paradigm /ˈpærədaɪm/ is a distinct set of concepts or thought patterns, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitutes legitimate contributions to a field.

Etymology

Paradigm comes from Greek παράδειγμα (paradeigma), "pattern, example, sample" from the verb παραδείκνυμι (paradeiknumi), "exhibit, represent, expose" and that from παρά (para), "beside, beyond" and δείκνυμι (deiknumi), "to show, to point out".

In rhetoric, paradeigma is known as a type of proof. The purpose of paradeigma is to provide an audience with an illustration of similar occurrences. This illustration is not meant to take the audience to a conclusion, however it is used to help guide them there. A personal accountant is a good comparison of paradeigma to explain how it is meant to guide the audience. It is not the job of a personal accountant to tell their client exactly what (and what not) to spend their money on, but to aid in guiding their client as to how money should be spent based on their financial goals. Anaximenes defined paradeigma as, "actions that have occurred previously and are similar to, or the opposite of, those which we are now discussing."

Paradigm (experimental)

An experimental paradigm, in the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, biology, neurosciences), is an experimental setup (i.e. a way to conduct a certain type of experiment) that is defined by certain fine-tuned standards and often has a theoretical background. A paradigm in this technical sense, however, is not a way of thinking as it is in the epistemological meaning.

See also

Paradigm (comics)

Paradigm is a fictional mutant character in the Marvel Comics Universe, created for their comic book series X-Force. His first appearance was in X-Force #87.

Fictional character biography

Ever since the earth learned of the existence of the techno-organic extraterrestrial race known as the Phalanx, governments began scrambling to find a way to utilize it to their advantage. One such attempt was conducted by the Chinese government on a young mutant boy who had technokinesis—the manipulation of and communication with technological matter. The government scientists purposefully implanted the young boy with the Techno-Organic Virus to see what would happen and the T-O virus had an interesting reaction with the young boy. Both the boy and the part of the Phalanx became transformed into a new being calling himself Paradigm, who not only had the Phalanx's penchant for shapeshifting but was able to control the minds of people that he covered with his techno-matter. He was able to somehow escape from the facility and found himself allied with the man calling himself King Bedlam.