This project takes a historical perspective to examine the evolution of, and interactions between, academic disciplines. In doing so, we aim to offer insights into the potential of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to solve today's complex global problems.
Background
Empirically based and systematically produced knowledge plays an increasingly prominent role in modern societies. Such knowledge is traditionally split up in specific areas of knowledge, also known as disciplines. In spite of the promulgation of inter- and transdisciplinary fields and institutions, academic disciplines still play a crucial role in higher education, in research communication, and in research funding. Yet, internal and external forces – e.g. specialisation and an increasing focus on goal-oriented research - tend to weaken this traditional way of organising academic knowledge. Moreover, many believe that current disciplinary divides are an obstacle to solving today’s global problems, given their increasing complexity. Therefore, the future of the modern system of disciplines is unclear.
Yet, In spite of their central role in the way we (still) organise both the production, communication and reproduction of knowledge, disciplines have received little attention from both historians and social scientists. We know relatively little about their emergence, their development, their cultures, or the rise of interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity.
Objectives
This long-term project, led by prof. dr. Frans van Lunteren, aims to increase insight into the role and nature of disciplines, and, by extension, inter -and transdisciplinary fields. Its angle is mainly historical. Leading questions concern the 19th century emergence of modern disciplines, their increasing fragmentation, their shifting boundaries, their (changing) cultures and value systems - and the way these cultures moulded personal identities - and their mutual interactions.