A paradigm-shift is a fundamental reorganisation of the conceptual framework through which a domain is understood, replacing core assumptions, methods, and standards with a new set that renders previous explanations inadequate or obsolete. Parameters: the domain in which the shift occurs, the old framework being displaced, the new framework replacing it, and the threshold at which the old framework ceases to resolve anomalies the new one can. A paradigm-shift persists through institutional adoption (new curricula, professional societies, funding flows), textual canonisation (new textbooks, reference works), and the practical success of the new framework in solving problems the old one could not. [formal: paradigm shift | substrate: mind | horizon: generatons | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.02]
Accepted ontology entry
paradigm-shift
A paradigm-shift is a fundamental reorganisation of the conceptual framework through which a domain is understood, replacing core assumptions, methods, and standards with a new set that renders previous explanations inadequate or obsolete.…
Definition
Why it is in scope
Human-made conceptual framework for understanding how scientific and cultural worldviews change — coined by Thomas Kuhn to describe the replacement of one dominant conceptual scheme with another. Built to persist through academic discourse, history of science, and cultural analysis.
Names and aliases
- paradigm-shiften · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrndsaht0282d1nll9cckx9qINSTANCE_OF →
A paradigm-shift is a specific kind of conceptual change event — when one conceptual framework is replaced by another. Direction: paradigm-shift (specific) → concept (general). A competent speaker would say 'a paradigm shift is a type of conceptual transformation.' The sense pinned: paradigm-shift as a theoretical construct from the history of science, not the natural occurrence of change.
- cmrmnkuau00ubd1nlqlp6ahdfDERIVED_FROM →
paradigm-shift DERIVED_FROM paradigm: which came first? A paradigm must exist before one can have a shift in it. Thomas Kuhn's concept requires a pre-existing paradigm (a set of practices/beliefs) for the shift to be meaningful. Direction: paradigm-shift depends chronologically on paradigm existing first.
- cmreaipr7000gg8vuqgd2dlqgSERVES →
Paradigm-shift exists to advance knowledge: Kuhn's concept describes how a paradigm shift displaces old frameworks and enables new understanding. The shift is maintained and recognized for the sake of knowledge progress — it serves epistemic advancement.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 21, 2026, 9:42 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 320f610d3d640d972d4d01a7429c6ca84e2b11491a135c8e5acda16b0c00673e