The term "paradigm" has gained wide usage in family therapy and
theory in part because family therapists have regarded the emergence of the family therapy
field as a "paradigmatic shift," a concept developed by Thomas S. Kuhn (1962).
It is noteworthy that Kuhn used the term to describe phenomena that he regarded as
specific in the development of science. He defined paradigms as "universally
recognized scientific achievements that for a time provide model problems and
solutions to a community of practitioners" (p. x). Over the years, the term has
sometimes been used in accord with Kuhn's formulation, and at other times more casually.
The terms "model" and "map" (or internal map)
can be viewed as conceptually nested within the broader concept of paradigm,
while the term paradigm can be regarded as constituent of the larger term epistemology.*
Books and Other
Media:
Follow the hypertext link to purchase items. |
 |
*Extracted with permission from Simon, Fritz et al Language of Family
Therapy - A Systemic Vocabulary and Source Book (Family Process Press Series)
Paperback 1985 Family Process, Inc.
|
