Multiparadigmatic Software Engineering Research

Software Engineering is a relatively new field of knowledge, also reflected in the eponymous professional career, both of which have developed over approximately six decades. Despite its relative youth, various technological and methodological engineering approaches have been considered paradigms. Furthermore, the evolution of scientific paradigms, as understood through the lens of the philosophy of science, has also shaped research perspectives within Software Engineering. This dual influence can render the field's landscape confusing, ambiguous, and even contradictory, posing challenges to establishing coherent research approaches for generating robust scientific knowledge.

In this presentation, a conceptual framework is proposed to differentiate Software Engineering practices, innovation, and research, while also conceptualizing their paradigmatic shifts from both professional and scientific perspectives. Major trends in the philosophy of science are reviewed and analyzed through the lens of Software Engineering.