A Practical Prehistoric Paradigm Example

So far, all this talk of paradigms has been somewhat vague. To make things make more sense, I will give a simple example of what a paradigm shift looks like -- with a non-scientific case.

Imagine, it's 5000 BCE. Stone tools are all the rage. People have been building, and using these tools for a while now, and the techniques are pretty well known. This is our first paradigm!

Then, some enterprising person discovers copper, and how to smelt and manipulate it into tools. At first, they're called a fool, and laughed at by all the other stone-tool enthusiasts.

But eventually, the others realize this inventor may have done something. They see the value in the stronger and sharper copper tools, and hop on the wave. The idea spreads, and soon enough, practically everybody in the Fertile Crescent has a copper axe or knife.

Cool story, huh. But how does it connect to paradigms?

Well, this whole shebang can be viewed through our new lens of paradigms.

• In this case, the first paradigm is the stone age. It consists of a set of methods and tools, for creating and using stone tools and weapons. And it's widely accepted by the primitive human community as the best.
• With this paradigm comes the normal science. This is the period where most people are using stone tools, thereby following the paradigm
• And then, boom, an ANOMALY! One person has discovered copper tools and realized they're more effective than stone ones.
• At first, this discovery is isolated -- but then more follows as other people realize that copper tools are superior to stone ones.
• This anomaly sparks a crisis. Then, a revolution, where the majority of folks realize just how good those copper tools are. This is it, right here! The paradigm shift, where the collective focus shifts from one paradigm to another.

a relatable image