Brave New Horizons - Paradigm Analysis

'Paradigm Analysis' is a term invented by Brave New Horizons, and defines a key component of our approach.

The word 'paradigm' refers to the prevailing outlook, model or perspective within a field. For example, the prevailing current perspective, or paradigm, in modern medicine focuses on the idea that infections cause most illnesses and that effective treatment strategies are mostly based around finding drugs that can alleviate the symptoms or conditions by destroying pathogens and/or altering biochemical pathways.

Inevitably, each paradigm forms a basis upon which decisions are then made regarding which theories and strategies will be included or excluded - and where the emphasis will be placed. Sometimes this decision-making process leads to the desired results, and sometimes it doesn't. But rarely - until now - have paradigms been subjected to close and systematic scrutiny as a matter of course.

Brave New Horizons proposes that Paradigm Analysis is a necessity, and must form the foundation of all future developments in all of the sciences and arts. It is a process by which we can set out to analyze whether the prevailing model in a field is optimal or not, and particularly whether it takes into account all current relevant scientific knowledge or whether it falls short. Where a paradigm falls short, Paradigm Analysis seeks to elucidate why, in order to develop and propose effective alternatives.

Before finding the optimal solution to a problem, first the strategy needs to be designed within an optimal paradigm or model. Otherwise, if the governing paradigm or perspective is flawed, then so will all - or at least most - of the results that flow from it be.

As Albert Einstein is claimed to have said, "The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them."

Or in other words, where problems arise, it is usually because a fresh perspective is needed: it is usually necesary to think outside the box - to call in Brave New Horizons and set our international think tank on the problem!

In some circles, this innovative approach might be mistakenly termed 'high-risk.' The truth is the reverse: clinging to old-fashioned, outmoded ideas that are not producing the desired results is often a high-risk proposal, and especially over medium to long term timeframes - it just happens to be the path of least resistance for the lazy person or for the person who is not seeking a genuine resolution.

As a contemporary example, the ever-increasing funds made available to cancer research are leading to flawed results, since 40 years after American president Richard Nixon declared a "war on cancer," American president Barack Obama has in 2009 repeated the same promise to the public, yet no meaningful progress in reducing the rate of occurence of cancer has been made in this long interim period - and clearly it is not through any lack of funding nor through a lack of good intentions:

Brave New Horizons proposes that what is needed isn't an increase of funds, nor merely the good-will of well-meaning people, but, most vitally, the simple application of the new science of Paradigm Analysis, since we can clearly see that when over 40 years of mega-funded research has served up such dismal fruit, this means that either (a) the problem has no solution; or, more likely, (b) the research strategies are operating within a faulty paradigm or overview.

In essence, what we are saying is that the ideas of Brave New Horizons can save the American and other governments - and their taxpaying populaces - billions of dollars' worth of money spent on fruitless cancer research which has already been going on for 40 years and counting. This may seem an arrogant proposition, yet it is stated based on the simple, irrefutable logic of the principles of Brave New Horizons.

In the new field of Paradigm Analysis, each paradigm is scrutinized, and then either validated or invalidated based on the collective sum of up-to-date human knowledge and understanding in diverse sciences. Such an analysis of our contemporary medical model, for example - which has already been performed by Savely Yurkovsky, M.D., according to these principles - quickly shows that it is based on outdated science, and that the working paradigm of medicine needs to be radically updated in line with a number of important emerging sciences - such as bio-physics, immuno-toxicology, systems theory and decision science - which have been shockingly slow to filter through to clinical medical practice and medical research.

Thus through Paradigm Analysis, the poor results of the 'war on cancer' are easily explained, and new strategies of success are then more readily available.

However, all of this is first made possible only through a change of attitude: one in which we are brave enough to face up to the new horizons of emerging sciences and arts which periodically transform everything we think we already know about the world. The starting place lies in adopting the stance of Brave New Horizons: the courage and enthusiasm to embrace innovation and wisdom in our decision-making, the recognition that ideas and paradigms in the sciences and arts are perpetually evolving, and a willingness to consider, entertain and explore new ideas and discoveries even when they conflict with the old entrenched ideas - and particularly when (as in the 'war on cancer') our old ideas are clearly failing to bring results!

“There is always an easy solution for every human problem – neat, plausible, and wrong.” (H.L.Mencken, 1917)

“May all sentient beings be free from suffering, and from the causes of suffering.” (Gautama Buddha, c. 500 BC)

Disclaimer: The information at this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content of this website comprises only the observations and opinions of the authors and contributors: it does not constitute medical advice to readers.