What if we recognized that the human sciences collectively investigate a few dozen key phenomena that interact with each other? Can we imagine a human science that would seek to stitch its understandings of this system of phenomena into a coherent whole? If so, what would that look like?
This book argues that we are unlikely to develop one unified "theory of everything." Our collective understanding must then be a "map" of the myriad relationships within this large – but finite and manageable – system, coupled with detailed understandings of each causal link and of important subsystems. The book outlines such a map and shows that the pursuit of coherence – and a more successful human science enterprise – requires integration, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and theory types, and the pursuit of terminological and presentational clarity. It explores how these inter-connected goals can be achieved in research, teaching, library classification, public policy, and university administration. These suggestions are congruent with, and yet enhance, other projects for reform of the human sciences.
This volume is aimed at any scholar or student who seeks to comprehend how what they study fits within a broader understanding.
Author(s): Rick Szostak
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 193
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
CONTENTS
List of Illustrations
Preface
1. Introduction
Outline of This Book
Key Characteristics of This Book
Human Science and Natural Science
Why Do This?
Summary
2. Research in Human Science
The Map of Human Science
Identifying Phenomena
The Openness of Subsystems
No Theory of Everything
Specialization and Integration
Symbiosis
Standards for Integrative Work
Clarifying Terminology
The Costs of Excessive Ambiguity
Coping with Ambiguity
The Style and Substance of Argument
Theories and Methods
Identifying Methods
Strengths and Weaknesses of Different Methods and Theory Types
The Value of Employing Multiple Methods and Theories
Responding to Postmodern Critiques
The Culture Wars
Summary
3. Connecting to Other Suggestions for Reform in the Human Sciences
Reforming Social Science
Comprehensive Appraisal
Novelty
Cumulative Inquiry
Confirmation Bias
Causality
Representation (Variables versus Phenomena) and Reflexivity
Structure
Individuals and Societies
Consensus
Debates in the Humanities
Defining the Humanities
The Aesthetic versus the Cultural
A Few Causal Links or Many?
Explanation versus Interpretation
High Art versus Popular Culture
The Humanities No Longer Inspire
Coherence
The Value of the Humanities
Summary
4. Research in Human Science Fields
Specialization by Phenomena or Subsystem
Particular Subsystems or Sets of Causal Links
Economy
Polity
Social Structure
Health and Population
Culture
Art
Technology and Science
Human Nature
Environment
History
Philosophy
Concluding Remarks
Summary
5. Teaching in Human Science
What Every Student Can and Should Know
The Structure of Human Science Knowledge
Key Strengths and Weaknesses of Methods and Theory Types
Strategies for Integration
Some Epistemology
Some Ethics
Rhetoric and Critical Thinking
World History and Future Studies
Structuring Interdisciplinary and Thematic Majors
Teaching in an Integrative and Comparative Manner
Some Thoughts on High School Social Studies and English
Summary
6. Reorganizing Our Libraries
Phenomenon-Based Classification
Ambiguity Again
Summary
7. Informing Public Policy
The Advantages of an Integrative Approach to Research
Reduced Bias
Recognition of Side Effects
Integrating Academics and Policy-Makers
Educating Future Policy-Makers
Summary
8. Administering Transformation; Transforming Administration
Thoughts on Administrative Structures
Overcoming Academic Inertia
Changes beyond the University
Summary
9. Concluding Remarks
References
Index
