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

According to Thomas Kuhn, a 20 th Century American physicist, paradigms can dictate:  The types of questions one poses during research.  The structure and nature of the questions.  How results of research are interpreted.

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

For example, consider Ptolemy’s paradigm about epicycles: (CT = Coherence truth)  CT1= God created man and loves him.  CT2= Because God loves man, He gave man reason in order to understand the universe in which he lives.

Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm (cont.)  CT3= Because man can understand the universe in which he lives, he can make rational observations about the location of the Earth within the universe.

Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm (cont.)  CT4= Due to man’s rational observations, he sees that other heavenly bodies appear to move around the Earth.

Conclusion of Ptolemy’s Epicycle Paradigm:  Earth must be the center of the universe.

Now, let’s try to create a paradigm together:  Pick a subject with a commonly accepted view. Think along the lines of, “All water will freeze at 32F or 0C,” or, “There is no human life form on Jupiter.”  With a partner, create a paradigm with this accepted view as its conclusion. Be sure to create a series of at least four coherence truths that arrive at the conclusion.

Now, let’s try one together.

Pick one of the following ideas. We will use it as a conclusion in a “paradigm,” that has at least four coherence truths.  If a man has poor eating and exercising habits, he will become obese.  Bodybuilding makes insecure men feel secure about themselves.  Practicing security drills will ensure a high survival rate if an actual emergency occurs.  If a student earns a perfect GPA in high school then there will be scholarship opportunities for that student.  If one dresses for success, then one will be successful.

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