From Trans-Disciplinary Research to Trans-Domain Approaches

Abstract

The concept of transdisciplinarity entails at least two problems: (1) It refers to the historically grown organization of science and hence is not suitable for epistemological concerns. (2) In most discussions of trans-disciplinarity, there is no clear distinction between its definition and its theory. To mend these two problems, it is proposed, first, to broaden the concept and speak of a Trans-Domain Approach (TDA). Domains are fairly homogeneous sets of statements that are clearly distinct from other such sets. Second, a definition of TDA is proposed: In TDA, something extra is found that connects different domains, producing a new concept that combines and supplements (but does not replace) the domain-specific theories. This definition permits to become more precise in explicating the relationship between the domains. TDA consists in a general theory (GT) that connects, integrates and transcends a set of domain specific theories (DTs), but does not replace them. This concept is applied to the Is-Ought problem. It is shown that Is and Ought are separate domains. An action-theoretical model is proposed to address the problem that for actions, both Is and Ought must be taken into account and related with each other. Conclusions for TDA are discussed.