Difference Between Paradigm and Theory

Main Difference – Paradigm vs Theory

Paradigm and theory are two words that confuse many students in the field of science. A theory is a scientifically credible general principle or principles that explain(s) a phenomenon. A paradigm is a model that consists of theories, research methods, postulates, etc. This is the key difference between paradigm and theory.

This article explains,

1. What is a Paradigm
– Definition, Features, Characteristics

2. What is a Theory
– Definition, Features, Characteristics

3. What is the difference between Paradigm and Theory

What is a Paradigm

Definitions of Paradigm

Paradigm is a model or pattern. It is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “world view underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject” and by the American Heritage dictionary as “a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline”.

Features and Characteristics

A paradigm is more than a theory. It is a combination of theories, postulates, research methods, etc.

Thomas Khun, American philosopher and physicist defines paradigm as “universally recognized scientific achievements that, for a time, provide model problems and solutions for a community of practitioners”. According to him, it contains the following facts:

What is to be observed
What type of questions to be asked
How these questions should be structured
What predictions are made by the primary theory used
How the results of the scientific experiments should be interpreted
How an experiment should be conducted/ what is necessary to conduct an experiment

A paradigm shift is a vital change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline.

What is a Theory

Definitions of Theory

Theory is a scientifically credible general principle or principles that explain(s) a phenomenon. The American heritage defines it as “A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena”. The Oxford Dictionary defines theory as “a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained”.

Features and Characteristics

A theory is typically based on a hypothesis. Once a hypothesis is proven and becomes generally accepted it becomes a theory. However, constant observations and repeated experimentations are required to prove a theory. Some examples of scientific theories include theory of natural selection, theory of special relativity, cell theory, quantum theory and theory of general relativity.

A theory explains the cause of a phenomenon, i.e., why something happens. The reliability of a theory depends on the evidence that is used to support it. Some theories have to be revised or replaced with the passage of time since new evidence may come to light. For example, modern evolutionary synthesis is a theory where Darwin’s theory of evolution has been combined with genetics to explain the process of evolution.

Definition:

Paradigm: Paradigm is a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.

Theory: Theory is a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.