ABSTRACT
The purpose of the discussion in this chapter is to explain what a paradigm is and its role in setting the framework for scientific activity. In Section 2.1, based on the concept of so-called normal science according to Thomas Kuhn and its creative development by G. Burrell and G. Morgan, the ways paradigms are applied in science will be discussed. In Section 2.2, three fundamental paradigms in the field of legal sciences will be presented: the natural law paradigm, preceded somewhat by the theological paradigm, the positivist paradigm, and the socio-psychological (realist) paradigm. Section 2.3 outlines three paradigms present in linguistics: the semiotic, generativist, and anthropocentric paradigms. Against this background, the assumptions of the paradigmatic method as a research method applied in this study will be presented along with the rationale for its use.
