A Philosophical Framework for Inter- and Transdisciplinarity: Facilitating and Deepening Critical Reflexivity

Abstract: Contrary to today’s hype, interdisciplinarity—and its cognate transdisciplinarity— was once a synonym of a critical-reflexive attitude towards knowledge production and the technoscientific progress, including the mindset, power and authority of science. The role of the entire academic system in causing the environmental crisis and the non-sustainable state of our lifeworld came under scrutiny. This article aims to strengthen a critical-reflexive approach to the discourse on, and practice of, inter- and transdisciplinarity, as part of the program of a “Philosophy of Interdisciplinarity” (Schmidt, 2022). Referring to well-established distinctions in philosophy, this article argues in favor of a plurality of four different types of interdisciplinarity: interdisciplinarity with regard to (a) objects (ontology), (b) knowledge/theories (epistemology), (c) methods/practices (methodology), and further, (d) problem perception/reflection and/or solving. The philosophical framework of the four different types will be illustrated by case studies: nanoresearch, complex systems theory, biomimicry/bionics, and technology assessment/ sustainability research/social ecological research. For strengthening a critical-reflexive approach, this article further distinguishes between two modes of problem-oriented interdisciplinarity. One mode can be termed the critical-reflexive mode whereas the second is primarily an instrumentalist, strategic or solutionist account. The other three types of interdisciplinarity—object-, theory- and method-oriented—share an instrumentalist view. The article concludes by underlining the flaws of instrumentalism and the prospects of critical-reflexive elements in interdisciplinary projects.