Philosophical Underpinnings of the Transdisciplinary Research Methodology

Abstract

This paper is predicated on two assumptions. First, many scholars do not appreciate the philosophical underpinnings of their research, commonly grounded in three dominant methodologies- empirical, interpretive and critical. Second, if scholars were more familiar with a newcomer - transdisciplinary (TD) research methodology - they would be more inclined to embrace it in their research. The paper begins with an explanation of four philosophical axioms (ontology, epistemology, logic and axiology) shaping the aforementioned dominant research methodologies. Then, each Nicolescuian TD axiom is described: (a) multiple levels of Reality mediated by the Hidden Third (ontology); (b) knowledge as complex, emergent, cross-fertilized and embodied (epistemology); (c) inclusive logic (logic of complexity) to facilitate contradiction reconciliation; and (d) transdisciplinary value formation (axiology). The paper concludes with a preliminary overview of Nicolescuian TD research methodology in action. When used in concert with the three longstanding research methodologies, the Nicolescuian approach holds promise for addressing the complexities facing humanity.

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