Transcript Slide 1 - Toppforskningsinitiativet

Interdisciplinarity
and
Climate Change
Karl Georg Høyer
Oslo University College
Key-Note Lecture
NORD-STAR Launch
Norrköping. 25.05.2011
Høgskolen i Oslo
IPCC
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A Claim:
IPCC is the most comprehensive, counterreductionist, and interdisciplinary scientific
endeavour ever achieved; highly emphasised by
its encompassing international structure and
cooperation
Key Concepts
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To substantially differentiate between:
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Multidisciplinarity
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Interdisciplinarity
Key Concepts
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Mono-disciplinary
Cross-disciplinary
Multi-disciplinary
Inter-disciplinary
Trans-disciplinary
Post-disciplinary
Key Features
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Interdisciplinarity;
The singular disciplines are still there – both
before and after
After: The researchers return to their
respective disciplines
However, also after: These disciplines shall be
challenged, enriched; dominating paradigmes,
theories, models should be challenged
Key Features
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Interdisciplinarity implies:
To take the large steps between scientific
disciplines, not only between the disciplines
within one area of science
That is: to take the steps between social
sciences, economics, natural sciences,
technological sciences, humanities and art
Key Features
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To establish a multidisciplinary research team
connected to a common research task or
issue
To develop a common understanding of the
task/issue (ontological homogeneity)
To uphold the disciplinary enrichment based
on knowledge contributions from the various
disciplines (epistemological and
methodological heterogeneity)
Key Features
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A.
B.
C.
The Holy Three Unity of Interdisciplinarity:
Metatheoretical Unity
Methodological Specificity
Theoretical Pluralism and Tolerance
Key Features
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Ontological Features;
Open Systems Research
Multiplicity and Interconnectivity of levels and
causes
Counter-Reductionism
Epistemological Features;
Cross-disciplinary understanding and
communication
Effective epistemic integration
Interdisciplinary Climate Change
The DPSIR scheme;
1. Driving Forces (D)
2. Pressures (P)
3. States (S)
4. Impacts (I)
5. Responses (R)
- A multitude of causal mechanisms, feedbacks,
and levels, within and between the various
DPSIR analytical steps (= Open Systems)
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Interdisciplinary Learning
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Theoretical pluralism
Methodological pluralism
Both respect and humility (it might even be
that the others from far-away disciplines
might have something to contribute with)
Deconstructing stereotypes of «the others»
Deconstructing simplified understandings and
interpretations of «the others» knowledge
fields
The End?
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Interdisciplinary research is:
No Herb Tea Party