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2 The Use of Paradigms and Theories in the PULSE 3 …
…theories actually embody logics or particular modes of thought that are reflected in the
thought processes of [practitioners] in the real world. The theories can therefore be understood not just to explain actions and outcomes, but to actually embody shared patterns in
how actors understand the world.
To summarise, theories consist of statements that reflect how the world works
(Meissner 2017), and causal mechanisms and understanding occupy a central role in
the practice of inquiry.
It is appropriate that linguists derived the word ‘theory’ from the Greek word
‘spectator’. Just like ‘spectators’ at a rugby match, scientists are observers of what
is happening in the world. More than onlookers who are merely observing for
enjoyment, scientists attach meaning to the observed event or phenomenon.
If the observed occurrence, or fact, creates problems, we utilise explanations and
understanding to improve it. Like paradigms, theories are constructions of the mind
(Lynham 2002; Meissner 2017). It is here where theories start making practical
sense, since practitioners use them subliminally, or explicitly, in applied situations
(Du Plessis 2000; Meissner 2017). Theories, along with paradigms, help researchers
to propose solutions to difficulties, or to create opportunities for further exploitation.
One more thing needs to be considered, especially when linking paradigms and
theories to practice. Over the years, social scientists have disagreed over the definitions and theories of human behaviour (Geldenhuys 2004; Meissner 2017). This is not
a disadvantage, but rather, it is the foundation for integrating paradigms and theories,
in order to produce prospects and to address problems. In this regard, various scientific
paradigms and theories are not incommensurable (lacking a basis of comparison).
The conceptual and theoretical divisions could strengthen our understanding of how
practices develop and manifest themselves in society (Meissner 2017).
2.2.3 Productive Utility
From the above discussion, we see that paradigms and theories can be used productively. Paradigms, which consist of meta-theoretical building blocks, describe the
nature of the ‘world’, the individual’s place therein and the range of possible relationships to the world (Pearse 1983; Guba and Lincoln 1994; Meissner 2017), as well
as the practical knowledge that we produce through science (Reus-Smit 2013). Since
paradigms provide the conceptual and operational approach for conducting research
(Pearse 1983; Meissner 2017), they have a knowledge-derived practical usefulness.
Since we are all theorists, the implication is that being theoretical is unavoidable
(Rosenau 2003). Ferguson (2003: 1) confirmed this when he claimed that:
However much the casual observer of world affairs, harried practitioner, or naïve scholar may
ignore or perhaps go so far as to mock ‘theory’ or ‘theoreticians’, the truth is that everyone
is deeply enmeshed in theory whether they like it or not. Theory in the sense of mind-set is
arguably implicit in every opinion we express and every action we take.
2 The Use of Paradigms and Theories in the PULSE 3 …
…theories actually embody logics or particular modes of thought that are reflected in the
thought processes of [practitioners] in the real world. The theories can therefore be understood not just to explain actions and outcomes, but to actually embody shared patterns in
how actors understand the world.
To summarise, theories consist of statements that reflect how the world works
(Meissner 2017), and causal mechanisms and understanding occupy a central role in
the practice of inquiry.
It is appropriate that linguists derived the word ‘theory’ from the Greek word
‘spectator’. Just like ‘spectators’ at a rugby match, scientists are observers of what
is happening in the world. More than onlookers who are merely observing for
enjoyment, scientists attach meaning to the observed event or phenomenon.
If the observed occurrence, or fact, creates problems, we utilise explanations and
understanding to improve it. Like paradigms, theories are constructions of the mind
(Lynham 2002; Meissner 2017). It is here where theories start making practical
sense, since practitioners use them subliminally, or explicitly, in applied situations
(Du Plessis 2000; Meissner 2017). Theories, along with paradigms, help researchers
to propose solutions to difficulties, or to create opportunities for further exploitation.
One more thing needs to be considered, especially when linking paradigms and
theories to practice. Over the years, social scientists have disagreed over the definitions and theories of human behaviour (Geldenhuys 2004; Meissner 2017). This is not
a disadvantage, but rather, it is the foundation for integrating paradigms and theories,
in order to produce prospects and to address problems. In this regard, various scientific
paradigms and theories are not incommensurable (lacking a basis of comparison).
The conceptual and theoretical divisions could strengthen our understanding of how
practices develop and manifest themselves in society (Meissner 2017).
2.2.3 Productive Utility
From the above discussion, we see that paradigms and theories can be used productively. Paradigms, which consist of meta-theoretical building blocks, describe the
nature of the ‘world’, the individual’s place therein and the range of possible relationships to the world (Pearse 1983; Guba and Lincoln 1994; Meissner 2017), as well
as the practical knowledge that we produce through science (Reus-Smit 2013). Since
paradigms provide the conceptual and operational approach for conducting research
(Pearse 1983; Meissner 2017), they have a knowledge-derived practical usefulness.
Since we are all theorists, the implication is that being theoretical is unavoidable
(Rosenau 2003). Ferguson (2003: 1) confirmed this when he claimed that:
However much the casual observer of world affairs, harried practitioner, or naïve scholar may
ignore or perhaps go so far as to mock ‘theory’ or ‘theoreticians’, the truth is that everyone
is deeply enmeshed in theory whether they like it or not. Theory in the sense of mind-set is
arguably implicit in every opinion we express and every action we take.