Paradigms & Third Away

• What is a paradigm in research?

  A set of accepted thoughts and assumptions
• How did Thomas Kuhn view the nature of science?

  He argued it is not purely objective
• What does Kuhn suggest about scientific research at a given time?

  It is conducted within a particular paradigm
• What is the relationship between mainstream science and paradigms according to Kuhn?

  Mainstream science accepts the paradigm's assumptions
• What is "radical science" in Kuhn's theory?

  Science that challenges existing paradigms
• What can lead to a paradigm shift?

  Radical science challenging assumptions
• How do contemporary scientists view their evidence?

  Through taken-for-granted assumptions
• Why does Kuhn consider sociology a "young science"?

  It lacks a unifying paradigm
• What are some differing perspectives within sociology according to Kuhn?

  Functionalists, Marxists, positivists, interpretivists
• How do postmodernists view science compared to positivists?

  Science is not objective or value-free
• What do postmodernists say about contemporary science?

  It is more abstract and less positivist
• Why should scientists' narratives be contextualized?

  They are often funded by interested bodies
• What is a paradigm shift?

  A fundamental change in scientific assumptions
• How does a lack of a unifying paradigm affect sociology's development?

  It prevents sociology from being a mature science
• What historical belief did scientists once take for granted?

  That the Earth was the center of the universe