ABSTRACT
We analyse conceptions of sustainability from a Kuhnian perspective Assuming that the formation of sustainability can be seen as a conceptual paradigm shift we analyse conceptions of sustainability from a Kuhnian perspective. As Kuhn describes it, there are competing ‘paradigm candidates’ in the origin of paradigm formation. On this basis, we identify three ‘candidates’ of sustainability-world views that offer solutions to different problems: Resource crisis, environmental crisis, and system crisis. We then propose a fourth paradigm candidate responding to the more recent multi-crisis that also affects the sense-making of the individual. We call this new candidate contingency management referring to the ‘salvation’ associated to the concept of sustainability. Finally, we present sustainability in a process model and discuss theoretical and practical implications of the conceptualized sustainability paradigm candidates.
