paradigm

A paradigm is a fundamental model, pattern, or framework that defines how we perceive and approach a specific subject or reality. Think of it as a set of "mental goggles" that determine which facts you notice and how you interpret them; when these goggles change, your entire understanding of the world shifts. It is most commonly used in academic, scientific, or business contexts to describe a dominant way of doing things. While it can refer to a simple example or prototype, it is usually reserved for major systemic shifts, such as a "paradigm shift" in technology or social norms.