Theories change with paradigms from "summary" of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn
In the normal course of scientific development, theories change with paradigms. A paradigm is essentially a set of beliefs and practices that define a scientific community's worldview. It is the framework within which scientists operate, guiding their research and shaping their understanding of the world. Paradigms provide a set of accepted rules and standards that govern the scientific community's activities, dictating the kinds of questions that are considered valid and the methods that are deemed appropriate for answering them. These paradigms are not easily discarded; they are deeply ingrained in the scientific community and form the basis for much scientific activity. However, as new evidence emerges that contradicts the existing paradigm, the scientific community may begin to experience a crisis. This crisis occurs when anomalies - observations that cannot be explained by the current paradigm - accumulate and the existing framework no longer seems adequate to account for them. In response to this crisis, scientists may begin to explore alternative paradigms that offer a different set of assumptions and a new way of interpreting the evidence. If one of these alternative paradigms is able to address the anomalies and provide a more satisfactory explanation for the phenomena in question, it may eventually replace the existing paradigm. This process of paradigm shift is not a straightforward one; it is often marked by controversy and resistance from those who are invested in the existing framework. As a new paradigm takes hold, the scientific community's theories are likely to undergo a significant transformation. The new paradigm will shape the kinds of questions that are asked, the methods that are used to answer them, and the concepts that are considered central to the field. In this way, theories change with paradigms, as scientists work within the framework provided by the dominant paradigm to develop new explanations for the natural world. This dynamic relationship between paradigms and theories is central to the process of scientific development. It highlights the importance of being open to new ideas and willing to challenge existing beliefs in order to advance our understanding of the world. By recognizing the role that paradigms play in shaping scientific inquiry, we can better appreciate the complex and evolving nature of scientific knowledge.
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