Paradigm
/ˈpærəˌdaɪm/
nounC1
Definition
A paradigm is a typical example, pattern, or system of ideas that many people accept and use to understand a topic or solve problems. It often refers to a way of thinking or a set of rules that guide how people see the world, especially in science or culture.
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See It in Action
A model or example that shows how something works or should be done
- •The scientific paradigm changed after new discoveries about the universe.
- •In teaching, the paradigm of learning has shifted from memorizing to understanding.
- •The company follows a business paradigm focused on customer satisfaction.
A set of beliefs or ways of thinking accepted by a group
- •The cultural paradigm in that country values community over individual success.
- •Changing the paradigm of how we think about health can improve public policies.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "paradigm" like "example," but bigger—it is not just one example but a whole way of thinking or doing things.
- ✓Picture a model or frame that holds many pieces together, like a puzzle showing how things fit in the world.
- ✓It's the feeling when you suddenly see things in a new way because you learned a new idea or method.
- ✓Sounds like "pair-a-dime" → imagine two dimes (coins) side by side, representing two parts working together to show a system or model.
- ✓Think about how people once believed the Earth was the center of the universe; that was the old paradigm before science changed it.
- ✓NOT like "idea" (just one thought), a paradigm is a whole system or set of ideas working together.
- ✓NOT like "rule" (a single instruction), a paradigm is a broad pattern or method that guides many rules or ideas.
Try Other Words
- •Framework: a basic structure for ideas or systems (Use when talking about the structure behind ideas or plans)
- •Pattern: a repeated way of doing something (Use when focusing on repeated actions or behaviors)
- •Example: a single case showing how something works (Use when referring to one specific case or instance)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: none clearly separated; "para-" can mean "beside" or "beyond," and "-digm" comes from Greek meaning "pattern" or "example"
- •Etymology: from Greek "paradeigma," meaning "pattern" or "example"
- •Historical development: first used in English in the 1600s to mean a model or pattern, later adopted in science and philosophy to mean a set of ideas guiding research or thought
- •Modern usage: common in science, philosophy, and culture to describe accepted ways of thinking or frameworks for understanding the world
Reflect & Connect
•How can changing a paradigm affect the way people solve problems in real life?
•Can you think of a time when your own way of thinking (your paradigm) changed? What caused it?
Fill in the blanks
1.Scientists accepted a new paradigm ___ the old ideas no longer explained the facts.
2.The paradigm in education has shifted from memorizing facts to ___ critical thinking skills.
3.Unlike a simple idea, a paradigm is a ___ of many beliefs and methods.
4.When a paradigm changes, people often need to ___ their usual ways of thinking.
5.The business follows a paradigm ___ focuses on customer needs and satisfaction.
6.A new paradigm can ___ how a culture understands health and happiness.
7.The paradigm shift was caused by ___ new evidence that challenged old beliefs.