The analysis of the incommensurable arguments that occur when proponents of different paradigms literally talk past each other. Because paradigms define terms, methods, and standards of proof differently, there is no neutral court of appeal. A dispute between paradigms is less a debate and more a cross-cultural dialogue of the deaf, where each side sees the other as fundamentally irrational or blind.
Theory of Paradigm Dispute Example: A paradigm dispute in economics: A Neoclassical economist (paradigm: markets are efficient) and a Keynesian economist (paradigm: markets fail and need intervention) argue about a recession. They use the same words ("demand," "equilibrium") but mean totally different things. Their evidence and models are built on incompatible axioms. The dispute often devolves into accusing the other of "not understanding basic economics"—their own paradigm's basics.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 6, 2026
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