Høgskolen i Oslo

Interdisciplinarityand

Climate ChangeKarl Georg Høyer

Oslo University CollegeKey-Note Lecture

NORD-STAR LaunchNorrköping. 25.05.2011

IPCC A Claim: IPCC is the most comprehensive,

counter-reductionist, and interdisciplinary scientific endeavour ever achieved; highly emphasised by its encompassing international structure and cooperation

Key Concepts To substantially differentiate

between:

Multidisciplinarity

Interdisciplinarity

Key Concepts Mono-disciplinary Cross-disciplinary Multi-disciplinary Inter-disciplinary Trans-disciplinary Post-disciplinary

Key Features 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

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

Key Features• 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 The Holy Three Unity of

Interdisciplinarity:

A. Metatheoretical UnityB. Methodological SpecificityC. Theoretical Pluralism and Tolerance

Key Features 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)

Interdisciplinary Learning 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? Interdisciplinary research is:

No Herb Tea Party