The Paradigm of Silence
Philosophical reflections on science regarding nonverbal thinking processes
Keywords:
Philosophy of science, paradigm, silence, implicit knowledge, thinking processAbstract
This study examines the paradigm of silence in the philosophy of science as an alternative framework for understanding the formation of knowledge. Silence is not interpreted merely as the absence of sound, but as a contemplative state that allows pure experience to emerge prior to linguistic formulation. Drawing on the ideas of Merleau-Ponty, Polanyi, and embodied cognition, this study highlights how non-verbal thinking processes including intuition, bodily perception, visual imagination, and affective responses contribute to knowledge construction before verbal expression occurs. The findings reveal that silence fosters reflection, creativity, and deeper cognitive integration by freeing the mind from external linguistic distractions. Silence creates mental space where individuals connect experiences, generate insights, and perceive meaning beyond spoken language. Epistemologically, non-verbal cognition serves as the initial foundation for knowledge formation, and recognizing the function of silence provides a new understanding of how humans access, experience, and construct reality.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Vivian Meiva Hariyanto, Nabila Iffatun Nisa, Adibsar Micdat Aldaby
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