paradigm
Paradigm For other uses, see Paradigm (disambiguation) . Learn more This article's lead section does not adequately summarize key points of its contents . In science and philosophy , a paradigm ( / ˈ p ær ə d aɪ m / ) is a distinct set of concepts or thought patterns, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitutes legitimate contributions to a field. Etymology Edit See also: Paradeigma Paradigm comes from Greek παράδειγμα ( paradeigma ), "pattern, example, sample" [1] from the verb παραδείκνυμι ( paradeiknumi ), "exhibit, represent, expose" [2] and that from παρά ( para ), "beside, beyond" [3] and δείκνυμι ( deiknumi ), "to show, to point out". [4] In rhetoric , the purpose of paradeigma is to provide an audience with an illustration of similar occurrences. This illustration is not meant to take the audience to a conclusion, howeve...