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Philosophical intervention and cross-disciplinary science: the story of the Toolbox Project

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Abstract

In this article we argue that philosophy can facilitate improvement in cross-disciplinary science. In particular, we discuss in detail the Toolbox Project, an effort in applied epistemology that deploys philosophical analysis for the purpose of enhancing collaborative, cross-disciplinary scientific research through improvements in cross-disciplinary communication. We begin by sketching the scientific context within which the Toolbox Project operates, a context that features a growing interest in and commitment to cross-disciplinary research (CDR). We then develop an argument for the leading idea behind this effort, namely, that philosophical dialogue can improve cross-disciplinary science by effecting epistemic changes that lead to better group communication. On the heels of this argument, we describe our approach and its output; in particular, we emphasize the Toolbox instrument that generates philosophical dialogue and the Toolbox workshop in which that dialogue takes place. Together, these constitute a philosophical intervention into the life of CDR teams. We conclude by considering the philosophical implications of this intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1032, USA

    Michael O’Rourke

  2. Department of Philosophy, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

    Stephen J. Crowley

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  1. Michael O’Rourke
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  2. Stephen J. Crowley
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Correspondence to Michael O’Rourke.

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O’Rourke, M., Crowley, S.J. Philosophical intervention and cross-disciplinary science: the story of the Toolbox Project. Synthese 190, 1937–1954 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-012-0175-y

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