Interdisciplinarity through modelling

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research is expected to advance science and plays an important role in the development of knowledge for complex societal issues (e.g., to support science-based policy). Scientific literature from interdisciplinary research projects reveals that models and modelling are crucial for achieving integration. However, ethnographic studies show that interdisciplinary research collaborations encounter cognitive, epistemological, and methodological barriers. Several valuable insights emerge from philosophical studies investigating the epistemology of interdisciplinary modeling practices, such as: in addition to being representations, models are epistemic tools; models are built for specific epistemic goals; ensuring the epistemic quality (e.g., reliability) of models requires in-depth philosophical study; the role of human cognition must be an inherent part of such epistemology, which is reflected in concepts such as “model-based reasoning” and “modelling strategies”; incorporating heterogeneous (epistemic and societal) values into models is a major challenge; non-epistemic values (normative and ethical) can be built in implicitly; all this appeals to the epistemological responsibility of participating researchers; and, a better understanding of the epistemological, methodological, and cognitive challenges of interdisciplinary research practices is crucial for the development of higher science education.

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