Wicked Philosophy: Philosophy of Science and Vision Development for Complex Problems
Wicked Philosophy: Philosophy of Science and Vision Development for Complex Problems
by Coyan Tromp
Amsterdam University Press, 2018 Paper: 978-94-6298-877-4 | eISBN: 978-90-485-4109-6
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Wicked Philosophy. Philosophy of Science and Vision Development for Complex Problems provides an overview of the philosophy of the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities, and explores how insights from these three domains can be integrated to help find solutions for the complex, ‘wicked’ problems we are currently facing. The core of a new science-based vision is complexity thinking, offering a meta-position for navigating alternative paradigms and making informed choices of resources for projects involving complex problems. The book also brings design thinking into problem-solving and teaching, fostering construction of an integrative approach that bridges structure and action amplified by transdisciplinary engagement of stakeholders in society.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Coyan Tromp teaches Philosophy of Science, Futures Thinking, Interdisciplinary Methodology and 21st Century Skills at the Institutefor Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Amsterdam. She is also curriculum developer, and co-designer of the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Programme Future Planet Studies and the Minor Science for Sustainability.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface 1. Twenty-first century science1.1 'Wicked' problems - the grand challenges of our times1.2 The state of the art in modern science1.3 The inevitability of philosophy1.4 Future avenues2. Current approaches2.1 The traditional standard research model2.2 Interpretivism as alternative paradigm2.3 Current models and futures thinking2.4 Unity in diversity3. Structure and action in science3.1 Objective structures or subjective perspectives?3.2 A clash between the approaches?3.3 Beyond the oppositions 3.4 Towards a more dynamic view of science4. Science as a rational process4.1 The 'project of reason'4.2 Unintended and unwanted consequences of the rationality process4.3 The societal value of science4.4 Does knowledge also imply wisdom?4.5 From funnel rationality to a more comprehensive rationality5. Robust knowledge for complex problems5.1 Towards a complexity-based, integrated research approach5.2 Science in progress5.3 Quality criteria for research into complex issues5.4 Dealing with complexity6. The future of science6.1 Science and futures thinking6.2 Vision-based science and science-based visions 6.3 From funnel vision to broad band scienceReferencesGlossary annex index