
Can science suddenly change its mind? Why does this happen?
Image: Raphael, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Can science suddenly change its mind? Why does this happen?
Imagine you're using an app that suddenly stops working even though it hasn't been updated. You're confused and frustrated because everything was fine just a day ago.
Scientists sometimes experience a 'paradigm shift' when a new way of thinking suddenly makes sense, even if it contradicts what they previously believed. The technical term for this is a "paradigm shift."
Example
You switch from using your phone's GPS to a new app that shows you a completely different route, but it turns out to be more accurate and efficient.
Remember this
A paradigm shift is when scientists collectively adopt a new framework for understanding the world, which can lead to more accurate and effective theories.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Paradigm shift
Paradigm shifts are fundamental changes in scientific concepts and practices
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