The paradigm is dead, the paradigm is dead … long live the paradigm: The legacy of Burrell and Morgan

Most of the research in the field of Information Systems appears to be guided by one set of philosophical assumptions – those of positivism. Such paradigm unity could prove problematic as it might stymie alternative conceptions of problems in the IS field. This paper inquires into whether the field does indeed embrace a solitary paradigm and if so, what its implications are. In so doing, the paper provides an overview of positivism, its paradigmatic grounding, why it became popular, and the obstacles to change. The paper looks at the possibility of paradigm pluralism particularly as it relates to pragmatism. The relationship between pragmatism and the call for more relevance in IS research is also explored. In its examination of these topics, the paper notes the rather surprising importance Burrell and Morgan's notion of paradigms has played in the conception of the field's philosophical discussions.