Philosophical Intervention and Cross-Disciplinary Science: The Story of the Toolbox Project
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2013
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11229-012-0175-y
Abstract
In this article we argue that philosophy can facilitate improvement in cross-disciplinary science. In particular, we discuss in detail the Toolbox Project, an effort in applied epistemology that deploys philosophical analysis for the purpose of enhancing collaborative, cross-disciplinary scientific research through improvements in cross-disciplinary communication. We begin by sketching the scientific context within which the Toolbox Project operates, a context that features a growing interest in and commitment to cross-disciplinary research (CDR). We then develop an argument for the leading idea behind this effort, namely, that philosophical dialogue can improve cross-disciplinary science by effecting epistemic changes that lead to better group communication. On the heels of this argument, we describe our approach and its output; in particular, we emphasize the Toolbox instrument that generates philosophical dialogue and the Toolbox workshop in which that dialogue takes place. Together, these constitute a philosophical intervention into the life of CDR teams. We conclude by considering the philosophical implications of this intervention.
Publication Information
O'Rourke, Michael and Crowley, Stephen J.. (2013). "Philosophical Intervention and Cross-Disciplinary Science: The Story of the Toolbox Project". Synthese, 190(11), 1937-1954.