What is the Difference Between Paradigm and Theory?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a paradigm and a theory lies in their scope and specificity.
- Paradigm: A paradigm is a broader concept that encompasses the overarching, general assumptions about the world. It serves as a framework or a lens through which we view and understand phenomena. In the context of social sciences, a paradigm can have several theories within its framework, and it acts as a reference for these theories.
- Theory: A theory is more specific and refers to a systematic set of interrelated statements intended to explain some aspect of social life. Theories provide explanations for various phenomena and help answer the "why" and "how" questions. They are more concrete and focused on particular aspects of the world, whereas paradigms are more abstract and serve as a foundation for multiple theories.
In summary, paradigms are grounded in overarching, general assumptions about the world, while theories describe more specific phenomena. Paradigms act as a framework or lens through which we view and understand phenomena, while theories provide explanations for various aspects of social life. Theories operate within the context of a paradigm, and a paradigm can have several theories within its framework.
Comparative Table: Paradigm vs Theory
Here is a table that highlights the differences between a paradigm and a theory:
Feature | Paradigm | Theory |
---|---|---|
Definition | A paradigm is a way of viewing the world and a framework from which to understand the human experience. | A theory is a systematic set of interrelated statements intended to explain some aspect of social life. |
Nature | Paradigms are generally philosophical in nature. | Theories are more ideological. |
Scope | Paradigms provide the framework for scientific inquiry, including beliefs, rules, and assumptions. | Theories focus on explaining specific phenomena and are tested and refined over time. |
Approach | Paradigms are characterized by a general approach. | Theories are more specific as far as the topic is concerned. |
Epistemology | Paradigms are grounded in big assumptions about the world—what is real, how do we create knowledge. | Theories describe more specific phenomena and are derived from paradigms. |
In summary, a paradigm is a broader framework that provides a way of viewing the world and understanding the human experience, while a theory is a more specific set of interrelated statements intended to explain a particular aspect of social life. Paradigms are often philosophical in nature and guide the approach to scientific inquiry, whereas theories are more ideological and focus on explaining specific phenomena within the framework provided by a paradigm.
- Ideology vs Theory
- Model vs Theory
- Philosophy vs Theory
- Concept vs Theory
- Paradigm vs Syntagm
- Theory vs Research
- Theory vs Principle
- Theory vs Practice
- Fact vs Theory
- Hypothesis vs Theory
- Philosophy vs Ideology
- Political Philosophy vs Political Theory
- Conceptual vs Theoretical Framework
- System Theory vs Contingency Theory
- Classical Theory vs Quantum Theory
- Scientific laws vs Scientific Theories
- Idea vs Concept
- Grounded Theory vs Phenomenology
- Philosophy vs Science