Paradigms and Modelling

How Depiction Paradigms Work

It is proposed that representation-PH3L6 contains a nested hierarchy of depiction methods-PH'3 that are the basis for the creation and perception of entities, including social situations, in certain standard or paradigmatic ways.

These paradigms can be imposed on purely physical situations prior to inquiry and therefore constrain potential findings, but this is not our present concern. More »

Imposition of depiction paradigms on situations is natural because change forces attention as well as bringing properties and relations to light. Such depictions by scientists and scholars are primarily for the purpose of inquiry-RL2 and systematic research-PH'2. This use of the paradigms is relevant for theory-creation and for directing and planning disciplinary research, but it is not the concern of the present investigation.

In social situations, any representation-L6 that is developed to enable change will have an implication for how the various levels of change are to be handled, especially what adaptation-L5 and what sustenance-L4 will be required.

However, the depiction paradigms go further because each presents itself as the optimum way to create representations and deal with change. Application of one or more of the 7 depiction paradigms appears to be a reflex requirement whenever the potential for change exists.

The paradigm outputs are viewed by their users as the reality that must be grasped to handle the change that is sought. The paradigms result in a particular form being spontaneously imposed on the situation, which is then secondarily depicted (or modelled) in its terms.

Modelling depends on Presumptions

Modelling is an inquiry process that is most closely associated with systemicist decision-making (PH'1L5) and holistic inquiry (PH'2L5). In these situations, components or factors must be identified and their relationships determined. It is not known in advance what the resulting model will look like, but it is presumed to be some sort of bounded dynamically interactive system in an undefined environment.

In the Change Domain, the depiction paradigms are a context that determines what the model must look like—and that is not necessarily going to be a variety of interactive bounded system. If it does happens to be a bounded system, then several sorts are possible.

Presumption: Wherever change exists or is desired, one of 7 depiction paradigms will be used and largely taken for granted in discussions and proceedings. Any modelling must then be constrained by the identified paradigm. The exact modelling within the depiction paradigm will vary according to the particular case.

Example: 

If a dualistic model is applied to politics, it will seem natural to have two opposing parties, or two opposing policies. If it is applied to improving a business, efforts and inquiries will revolve around two seemingly opposed components: management v unions, or profitability v quality, or enterprise v regulations.

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Continue now:

• List the seven different depiction paradigms.

Originally posted: 30-Jun-2024. Amended: 10-Jul-2024.