The paradigm is dead, the paradigm is dead ... long live the paradigm: thelegacy of Burrell and Morgan

Most of the research in the field of Information Systems appears to be guid ed by one set of philosophical assumptions - those of positivism. Such para digm unity could prove problematic as it might stymie alternative conceptio ns 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 ar e. In so doing, the paper provides an overview of positivism, its paradigma tic grounding, why it became popular, and the obstacles to change. The pape r looks at the possibility of paradigm pluralism particularly as it relates to pragmatism. The relationship between pragmatism and the call for more r elevance in IS research is also explored. In its examination of these topic s, the paper notes the rather surprising importance Burrell and Morgan's no tion of paradigms has played in the conception of the field's philosophical discussions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.