Paper Type

Completed Research Paper

Abstract

This essay proposes an alternative to how paradigms are viewed in the information systems (IS) field. Tracing the development of the paradigm concept from Kuhn's classic Structure of Scientific Revolutions to the educational sciences and the organizational sciences, it finds the IS field adopting metaphysical paradigms over sociological and conceptual paradigms to the detriment of the progress of the field. The appropriation of metaphysical paradigms ignited unnecessary and time consuming "paradigm wars" in these fields as well as in the IS field. This essay describes how the metaphysical paradigm differs from the sociological and conceptual paradigm and the problems the field will face if it continues adopting the same view. Finally the essay explains the advantages of adopting the primary meaning of Kuhn's paradigm concept and proposes how this approach to research may be undertaken.

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Are We Using the Right "Paradigms?" Comparing Metaphysical, Sociological and Conceptual Paradigms

This essay proposes an alternative to how paradigms are viewed in the information systems (IS) field. Tracing the development of the paradigm concept from Kuhn's classic Structure of Scientific Revolutions to the educational sciences and the organizational sciences, it finds the IS field adopting metaphysical paradigms over sociological and conceptual paradigms to the detriment of the progress of the field. The appropriation of metaphysical paradigms ignited unnecessary and time consuming "paradigm wars" in these fields as well as in the IS field. This essay describes how the metaphysical paradigm differs from the sociological and conceptual paradigm and the problems the field will face if it continues adopting the same view. Finally the essay explains the advantages of adopting the primary meaning of Kuhn's paradigm concept and proposes how this approach to research may be undertaken.