# Paradigm Shift **Domain:** philosophy of science **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Classification:** Infrastructure Concept **Maturity:** Foundational **Related:** [[Fork in Human Development]], [[Nonlinear Dynamics]], [[Human Agency]], [[Meritocracy]], [[Historical Responsibility]] --- ## Definition **Fundamental transformation in how a field conceptualizes its subject matter**, replacing one framework with incommensurable alternatives that reorganize evidence and redefine fundamental concepts. Paradigm shifts are discontinuous changes in scientific understanding. --- ## General Context Kuhn's concept of paradigm shifts explains scientific revolutions (Copernican astronomy, Darwinian evolution, Einsteinian physics) where new frameworks reorganize evidence rather than merely adding facts. --- ## Key Insight During paradigm shifts, competing frameworks cannot be directly compared—they define evidence and explanation differently. Shifts succeed through persuasion, social influence, and generational change rather than logical proof. --- ## See Also [[The Algorithmic State]], [[Climate Systems as Human Resilience Platforms]], [[Climate Justice as Reparative Equity]], [[How Reparative Justice Became Meritocracy]], [[Omega Point]]