PARADIGM:PARADIGM:

A “framework” of thought that contains A “framework” of thought that contains commonly accepted views about a commonly accepted views about a subject and a structure within which subject and a structure within which research can take place.research can take place.

According to Thomas Kuhn, a 20According to Thomas Kuhn, a 20thth Century American physicist, Century American physicist, paradigms can dictate:paradigms can dictate:

The types of questions one poses The types of questions one poses during research.during research.

The structure and nature of the The structure and nature of the questions.questions.

How results of research are How results of research are interpreted.interpreted.

““Coherence Truths” Coherence Truths” as a logical function as a logical function of paradigms:of paradigms:These ideas are the accepted views These ideas are the accepted views about the subject that, when logically about the subject that, when logically followed, form the “heart” of the paradigm followed, form the “heart” of the paradigm itself and help one to draw a conclusion.itself and help one to draw a conclusion.

For example, consider Ptolemy’s For example, consider Ptolemy’s paradigm about epicycles:paradigm about epicycles:(CT = Coherence truth)(CT = Coherence truth)

CT1= God created man and CT1= God created man and loves him.loves him.

CT2= Because God loves man, CT2= Because God loves man, He gave man reason in order to He gave man reason in order to understand the universe in which understand the universe in which he lives.he lives.

Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm (cont.)Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm (cont.)

CT3= Because man can CT3= Because man can understand the universe in which understand the universe in which he lives, he can make rational he lives, he can make rational observations about the location observations about the location of the Earth within the universe.of the Earth within the universe.

Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm (cont.)Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm (cont.)

CT4= Due to man’s rational CT4= Due to man’s rational observations, he sees that other observations, he sees that other heavenly bodies appear to move heavenly bodies appear to move around the Earth.around the Earth.

Conclusion of Ptolemy’s Epicycle Conclusion of Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm:Paradigm:

Earth must be the center of the Earth must be the center of the universe.universe.

Now, let’s try one together.Now, let’s try one together.

Pick one of the following ideas. We will use it Pick one of the following ideas. We will use it as a conclusion in a “paradigm,” that has at as a conclusion in a “paradigm,” that has at least four coherence truths. least four coherence truths.

If a man has poor eating and exercising habits, he If a man has poor eating and exercising habits, he will become obese.will become obese.

Bodybuilding makes insecure men feel secure about Bodybuilding makes insecure men feel secure about themselves.themselves.

Practicing security drills will ensure a high survival Practicing security drills will ensure a high survival rate if an actual emergency occurs.rate if an actual emergency occurs.

If a student earns a perfect GPA in high school then If a student earns a perfect GPA in high school then there will be scholarship opportunities for that there will be scholarship opportunities for that student.student.

If one dresses for success, then one will be If one dresses for success, then one will be successful.successful.

Now, create one with a Now, create one with a partner using the same partner using the same strategy.strategy.