Dept. of Public Administration, 3. Paradigms Jin-Wan Seo, Professor Dept. of Public Administration, University of Incheon

3. Paradigms what is Explanation and Prediction? __________ depends partly on how you think the world works. General theories and general laws are used for explanation. Based on explanation, prediction might be possible. Main goal of science – justification of existence. Some fundamental frames of reference – “paradigms” __________ provide ways of looking and logical frameworks within which theories are created. Paradigms do not explain anything. Paradigms are interlinked with theories in the search for meaning in social life. 1

3. Paradigms Understanding Paradigm Example A model or framework for observation and understanding, which shapes both what we see and how we understand it. Underlying different explanations, or theories The conflict paradigm causes us to see social behavior one way, the inter-actionist paradigm causes us to see it differently. Example A traditional Western view holds that the world you experience has an objective reality separate from your experience of it. The postmodern paradigm suggests that only the experience is real: The book in your hands right now is not real, only your experience of it is. Whether you think the book really exists or not reflects the paradigm you operate with. 1

3. Paradigms Two Benefits of Paradigms We can better understand the seemingly bizarre views and actions of others who are operating from a different paradigm. At times we can profit from stepping outside our paradigm. Suddenly we can see new ways of seeing and explaining things. The Role of Paradigm (_______________, 1970) Paradigms play a fundamental role in science, just as they do in daily life. Major scientific paradigms have included such fundamental viewpoints as Copernicus’s conception of the earth moving around the sun (instead of the reverse), Darwin’s theory of evolution, Newtonian mechanics, and Einstein’s relativity. Which scientific theories “make sense” depends on which paradigm scientists are. 1

3. Paradigms Kuhn’s ___________________________________________ The scientific paradigms typically become entrenched, resisting substantial change. Theories and research alike take a certain fundamental direction. Eventually, however, as the shortcomings of a particular paradigm became obvious, a new one emerges and supplants the old. The seemingly natural view that the rest of the universe revolves around the earth, for example, compelled astronomers to devise ever more elaborate ways to account for the motions of heavenly bodies that they actually observed. Eventually this paradigm was supplanted by the view that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun. This is nothing less than a revolutionary change in perspective that fundamentally altered the direction of theory and research. 1

3. Paradigms Difference between Natural Science & Social Science Natural scientists generally believe that the succession from one paradigm to another represents progress from a false view to true one. For example, no modern astronomer believes that the sun revolves around the earth. In ______________, on the other hand, theoretical paradigms may gain or lose popularity, but they are seldom discarded altogether. The paradigms of the social sciences offer a variety of views, each of which offers insights the others lack and ignores aspects of social life that the others reveal. Paradigms are not true or false! As ways of looking, paradigms are only more or less useful. Each of the paradigms we are about to examine offers a different way of looking at human social life. Each makes certain assumptions about the nature of social reality. Each can open up new understandings, suggest different kinds of theories, and inspire different kinds of research. 1

3. Paradigms Two Major Paradigms in Social Science Weberian Paradigm Marxian Paradigm 1. Unit of Analysis -Partial & Micro -Whole & Macro 2. Analytical Method -Horizontal Comparison -Vertical Comparison 3. Analytical Focus Institutionalization Group Interaction Causality & Correlation, etc. -Class Conflict -Rule and Ruled Relationship -Class Conflict within Ruling Class (Neo-Marxism) 4. Understanding of the “Reality” -Reality can’t be fully explained. -Limitations (Researcher’s Capability, Time, and Costs, etc.) -Depend on ____________ & ___________ -Reality is certain! 5. Application of Science & Theory -Finding regularity (Purpose of Science) -Theory can not explain the whole reality. -The basis for finding truth -Theory must explain a certain phenomena. 1

3. Paradigms Weberian Paradigm Marxian Paradigm 1 6. Researcher’s Attitude -Objectivity through value free -Feasibility -Personal Judgment -Value-laden 7. Perception on History -No absolute law -Regularity depend on time and place. -General Law beyond time and place. -______________________ = productive forces + mode of production 8. Development Tools Ideal Type for efficiency, rationalization, and legitimacy Bureaucratic Organization -Production relations have been dialectically changed by conflicts themselves 9. Cause of Change -Social Authority & Legitimacy -Legal/Charismas/Tradition -Monopoly of production force and mode by ruling class -Structural problems cause social changes. 1

3. Paradigms Weberian Paradigm Marxian Paradigm 1 10. Perception on “Culture” -Belief => Culture => Social Change -Social change is explained by culture. -___________ = independent variable. -Culture is the byproduct produced by the certain social and economic situation. -Culture = __________________ 11. Perception on “Class & Strata” -Pluralism -Upward mobility depends on personal capability and efforts. -Social mobility -Two classes (ruling & ruled) -Capitalist exploitation -Structurally limited social mobility -Toward classlessness -Abolition of class distinctions through _____________________ 1