Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 058701 (2011)
Emergence and Decline of Scientific Paradigms
Abstract
S. Bornholdt1, M. H. Jensen2, and K. Sneppen2
1Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Bremen, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
2Niels Bohr Institute, Blegdamsvej 17, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
Received 21 March 2010; published 2 February 2011
Abstract
Scientific paradigms have a tendency to rise fast and decline slowly. This asymmetry reflects the difficulty in developing a truly original idea *, compared to the ease at which a concept can be eroded by numerous modifications. Here we formulate a model for the emergence and spread of ideas which deals with this asymmetry by constraining the ability of agents to return to already abandoned concepts. The model exhibits a fairly regular pattern of global paradigm shifts, where older paradigms are eroded and subsequently replaced by new ones. The model sets the theme for a new class of pattern formation models, where local dynamics breaks the detailed balance in a way that prevents old states from defending themselves against new nucleating or invading states. The model allows for frozen events in terms of the coexistence of multiple metastable states.
© 2011 American Physical Society
URL: http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.058701
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.058701
PACS: 87.23.Ge, 02.50.Le, 05.65.+b, 89.75.Kd
+++++
Professores, pesquisadores e alunos de universidades públicas e privadas com acesso ao site CAPES/Periódicos podem ler gratuitamente este artigo da Physical Review Letters e de mais 22.440 publicações científicas.
+++++
NOTA CAUSTICANTE DESTE BLOGGER:
Muitos na Nomenklatura científica dizem que não sou colegial com meus pares quando afirmo aqui que, em termos teóricos, especialmente na origem e evolução do universo e da vida, todos estão pensando a mesma coisa e ninguém pensando em nada! Nada mais verdadeiro. Taí o artigo acima para corroborar o que dizem ser minha falta de colegialidade, só que o cara foi muito mais elegante do que eu:
the difficulty in developing a truly original idea!
Gente, eu não pude resistir...