Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Abstract Theorizing in interdisciplinary domains of the humanities and social sciences is considerably more demanding than disciplinary theorizing within these fields. Beyond a theoretical framework and research methodology—both indispensable for any form of theorizing—interdisciplinary theorizing requires a range of additional contextual, cognitive, cultural, and personal conditions. This article seeks to conceptualize and articulate these conditions as the requirements and preconditions of interdisciplinary theorizing. The central question guiding the study is: apart from theoretical frameworks and methods (which are not the focus of this article), what requirements and preconditions are necessary for interdisciplinary theorizing in the humanities and social sciences? The article classifies these requirements into four interrelated domains: scientific, cultural, cognitive, and personal. Scientific requirements pertain to principles governing knowledge production and research practices. Cultural requirements refer to institutionalized attitudes, dispositions, and modes of conduct that shape scholarly behavior and outlooks. Cognitive requirements encompass mental, linguistic, and intellectual capacities essential to theorizing. Personal requirements address the psychological traits, motivational orientations, and personality characteristics of the theorist. In this study, “requirements and preconditions” denote the capacities, competencies, and characteristics necessary for effective interdisciplinary theorizing. Methodologically, the research employs interpretive phenomenology and conceptual modeling.

Abstract The primary function of the humanities and social sciences is to understand and address societal issues and problems, a task that is increasingly complex and specialized through interdisciplinary studies and fields. Even when disciplinary expertise fails to comprehend and resolve these problems, interdisciplinary approaches assume this role with enhanced capabilities, employing multidimensional and multilevel methodologies and epistemologies. The premise of this paper is that, in contemporary Iran, there are no acceptable theories or theorists in the field of interdisciplinary studies that meet international standards. This paper aims to explore the reasons behind the lack of prominent and internationally recognized theories and theorists in Iran today, particularly within the interdisciplinary domains of the humanities and social sciences. The factors contributing to this issue are manifold and exist at various levels; this article seeks to understand some of the main and general causes. The central question is: What are the challenges and obstacles to interdisciplinary theorizing in the field of humanities and social sciences in Iran? The article identifies and discusses six general challenges and barriers to Iranian theorizing in these fields, particularly in interdisciplinary studies: populism, politicisation, binary opposition, Westoxification, Pseudo-traditionalization, and bewilderment. This research simultaneously employs both phenomenological and foundational research methods.