Normal science operates within paradigms from "summary" of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn
In scientific research, the activities of the scientific community are guided by a shared set of assumptions and beliefs known as paradigms. These paradigms serve as the foundation for normal science, shaping the questions asked, the experiments conducted, and the conclusions drawn. Scientists working within a paradigm are united by a common worldview, a set of fundamental principles that define the boundaries of legitimate scientific inquiry. Normal science operates within the confines of these paradigms, seeking to refine and expand upon existing knowledge rather than challenge the underlying assumptions themselves. Researchers within a paradigm work to solve puzzles and anomalies that arise within the framework established by the prevailing paradigm. They do not question the overarching principles that govern their research but instead seek to better understand and explain the phenomena they observe. The stability provided by paradigms is essential for the progress of science, allowing researchers to build upon the work of their predecessors and make incremental advances in knowledge. Without a shared set of assumptions and beliefs, scientific inquiry would devolve into chaos, with researchers working at cross-purposes and unable to communicate or collaborate effectively. While paradigms provide a necessary structure for scientific research, they can al...
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