A Theory of Interdisciplinary Studies 论文

摘要

Interdisciplinarity is necessitated by complexity, specifically by the structure and be- havior of complex systems. The nature of complex systems provides a rationale for interdisci- plinary study. An examination of complex systems yields new insights into the practice of inter- disciplinary study and confirms widely accepted principles for the conduct of interdisciplinary inquiry. Complex systems also unify the apparently divergent approaches to the interdiscipli- nary study of the humanities and sciences. Most importantly, the distinguishing but elusive characteristic of interdisciplinary studies—synthesis or integration—is at last explained in terms of the unique self-organizing pattern of a complex system.