Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Abstract According to many experts and scholars of higher education, nowadays the most important factor of inefficiency of higher education policymaking in Iran is nonconformity of policies and decisions with scientific, theoretical and research basics. Policy research is defined as a research process focused on providing policy options and referred to the practice of policymakers and can contribute to reasonable and rational policymaking in the field of higher education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was pathology of higher education policy research process in Iran. In order to achieve this objective, statistical population of study were institutions and research centers of policy research including those affiliated to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (such as Institute of Research and Planning in Higher Education (IRPHE), National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Institute for Social and Cultural Studies - ISCS) and those not affiliated to the Ministry, as well as informed policymakers in the field of higher education and 14 of them were chosen purposefully to carry out in-depth interviews. The validity of the findings was evaluated by methods of member checking and peer review. To analyze the data, open and axial coding was used. Results revealed the existence of 113 conceptual statements (subcategories) and 14 main categories in terms of five dimensions: contextual & environmental factors, structural factors, functional factors (related to Policy/decision makers in higher education and higher education policy researchers) and interactive & communicational factors which relations between them were drawn in the research model.

Abstract Psychology as a hub science has a good capacity to connect human sciences. Purposes of this article were: Reviewing historical interest among psychologist for interdisciplinary studies; Investigating common issues between psychology and other human sciences; Explaining psychological causes for failures of interdisciplinary studies in human sciences in Iran; Clarifying role of interdisciplinary institutions for higher education development; Presenting ways for integrating psychologist in interdisciplinary studies in Iran. Interdisciplinary studies need to develop interdisciplinary institutions that consider psychological, social and moral needs of human being and society. In Iran, maladaptive group process in team work, self-serving bias and shortages of interdisciplinary institutions as a social scaffolding for developing of human science may probably explain failures of interdisciplinary cooperation. Development of interdisciplinary institutions which psychology could have an active role needs to alter educational curriculums for psychology, developing new domain of psychology, and adopting discursive perspectives in psychology.

Abstract Science diplomacy is a developing foreign policy and international relationship among nations is affected by science and technology. Because of the major role of higher education in the production and dissemination of science and new technology, this important organization has always been attractive. This study is an investigation into measurements and factors for developing science diplomacy and the role of higher education as a fundamental factor in foreign diplomacy. This study is of applied type. The researcher-made questionnaire is the tool for data gathering in this paper. The sample in this research is composed of the faculty members of Khajeh Nasir Toosi University. The results show and confirm 3 dimensions and 33 elements for developing science diplomacy and 5 factors and 21 measurements for the role of higher education in developing science diplomacy. The main suggestions for higher education and foreign policy are developing infrastructure, developing international cooperation among universities, and finding solutions for shared challenges especially among neighboring countries.

Abstract Ninian Smart, a distinguished contemporary pioneer of religious studies, moving away from traditional religious studies known as theology, considers his studies to be historical, comparative (in his favorite term cross-cultural), interdisciplinary as well as phenomenological and empathic, and presents his model as an analytical one. His model offers seven interconnected dimensions for the religion: rituals, experimental, mythological, doctrinal and philosophical, ethical and legal, social and institutional, and material. On the other hand, mystical theology in comparison with the Smart’s view, through a model developed by Seyyed Haider Amoli (720 - after 787 H.), offers a type of spiritual-subjective and intuitive way that creates a phenomenological distance – to stay away from presuppositions and prejudices – and has the ability to show essentialist empathy in religious studies. This empathy, in the modern non-mystical phenomenology, does not go beyond mere mental and emotional empathy. Although Smart’s model introduces pluralistic dimensions of religion, and is broader in the analysis of worldviews and religions, it is not able to deeply analyze dimensions of religion as compared with the mystical-unitary model. The shari’a-tarighat-haghighat mystical model in its tripartite structure involves the metaphor of »the way» while providing a deep relationship between the dimensions of religion; this metaphor has a symbolic importance for the analysis of religious traditions as the manifestations of trans-historical realities in a historical and temporal path.

Abstract It is about forty years that some of Iran’s policy makers and experts in social and human sciences are of the opinion that there should be an evolution in humanities. They are of the view that principles and basic assumptions of current humanities are in conflict with Islamic framework and consequently these doctrines are not appropriate to address local issues of Islamic countries. Since the Islamic Revolution of Iran of 1979, any change in these doctrines has been a matter of debate. But we need a new plan for making a change in our policies. Applying interdisciplinary approach permit us to find a new way for policy making in society. History is full of lessons to guide us in our present situations. Therefore, by taking into account, the sociology of science and issues of policy-making, we study the Translation Movement. This article shows the transfer and transformation of Greek philosophy to Islamic philosophy in 7- 10 A.D. in Islamic civilization and also proposes an alternative approach for the policy makers. We identify actors of transferring knowledge, scientific translators and the Abbasid State. Research model of this paper has been chosen from the sociology of science and also makes use of "Implication Research Methodology” with regard to history. Our suggestion is "Transformational Translation (Transforlation) " that includes selecting best texts, translations, correction, explanation, criticism and innovation. Accordingly, policies should be revised after identifying discipline on Transforlation Chain and structures and human resources have to be formalized on the basis of revised policies.

Abstract Critical hermeneutics is rooted in philosophy of knowledge, in general, and in the methodology of human sciences, in particular. This approach is methodologically considered as a qualitative study with the aim of achieving internal understanding in various fields such as linguistic, longitudinal and experimental sciences. Jürgen Habermas, one of the precursors of Frankfurt School, is the pioneer of this method. In 1981, he published one of his best works entitled “Communicative Interaction Theory”, and added the symbolic aspects of social interaction to Frankfurt critical theory. Thus, critical hermeneutics does not pursue a “unifying answer”; rather it seeks to portray the social phenomena that are derived through discourse. Discourse, as a means of obtaining data, is used in critical hermeneutics and as Habermas posited, the essential prerequisite for discourse is to provide space devoid of any trace of power. In this qualitative study, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with individuals, and by transcribing the interviews, converted the phenomenon into text. These texts constitute the research data of the study. Then, the researchers interpreted the textual form of the phenomena and represented the obtained results in several limited themes, each of which is further split into certain limited categories. Since the main advantage of critical hermeneutics is developing and reorienting the existing interpretative approaches to the study of management, this paper attempts to examine this approach as a qualitative research method in organization and management studies, and represent its process and key features.

Abstract Transition from discipline to interdisciplinary studies, in addition to epistemological plurality, signifies a kind of methodological plurality. Where the possibility of various and unspecialized perceptions is taken for granted and interdsciplinarity emerges, methods and tools are transformed as well. In this regard, interdisciplinarity involves two important changes in the system of knowledge: on the one hand, the claimed or imagined borderlines of a specific discipline or field are crossed by the concepts or variables of another discipline or field; on the other hand, the methods of research and study migrate from one discipline to another discipline. However, if these two changes do not occur based on firm foundations and predetermined criteria, they will result in mental and methodological confusion instead of effectiveness. The present article examines transition from discipline to interdisciplinary studies while taking into account the two challenges mentioned above and considering the outcomes of this transition in the scientific society of Iran.

Abstract The assessment of any legal system, such as trademark law, requires a comprehensive understanding of that system, and this can be made possible only through awareness of the objectives and foundations of that system. This awareness in trademark law helps us interpret better, especially where there are no statutes. Trademark law is highly influenced by both moral and legal issues and the basics of market economy because trademark has fully economic dimensions as well, and the existence of trademark depends on the economic efficiency of the market. This highlights the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach with the aim of understanding this supportive system. Natural law theory and contractual theory legally justify the protection of trademark. Beside these two theories, the search cost theory and incentive of producers, as two important economic factors, justify the protection of trademark even more powerfully. Nonetheless, trademark legal system relies on all these foundations and each of them is necessary to interpret trademark law.

Abstract In this research this question is addressed: are the physical-spatial changes in contemporary markets of Iran, as a pioneer in promoting the noble values of Islam, in accordance with Islamic principles and values? In this article, through an analysis of religious texts, using qualitative content analysis, four physical-spatial indicators are deduced for markets; these indicators include the need to mention spiritual truths in physical-spatial structure of market, avoiding the collective social spaces in the market, the alignment of physical market patterns with Islamic identity, and locating the market in meta-local situations. An interdisciplinary analysis was carried out which indicated that the decline in these indicators in contemporary markets is rooted in the contemporary intellectual foundations of the West, whose economic impacts have resulted in the liberal capitalist economic system; one of the most important features of this system is the promotion of the culture of consumerism and a decline in Islamic physical-spatial indicators in contemporary markets, which is in accordance with the requirements of this culture.

Abstract Geography as a science of the spatial analysis of phenomena is based on three main objectives: studying spatial structures, examining the locational-spatial order of socio-economic activities, and searching spatial relationships and functions through hierarchical leveling of rural and urban settlements. The applied form of geography or “spatial planning” addresses the modification of spatial structures, the locational-spatial order of activities, and the organization of spatial relationships and functions. There are mutual interactions between structure and function in this spatial order. Science has developed a complex structure through the electronic revolution, which is called “third wave science”; also specialized studies have developed. Specialized studies result in a very deep understanding of subjects, but this deep understanding always remains just in a “spot” and its applications could be traumatic, which is because it is not regulated in combination with other dimensions of human life. This kind of science cannot be beneficial in human life or solve some important problems. The main aim of this article, which is based on qualitative content analysis, is to analyze geography as an interdisciplinary science. The findings of the study show that geographical research has interdisciplinary characteristics; otherwise it cannot explain today’s complex problems. Geography can both use the findings of other sciences, including statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, history and psychology, and provide them with services and help.

Abstract The conditions of success and reasons for failure of development strategies and plans, are among the most important “development studies” issues. This has been explained in different ways: for example, there is a strong relationship between the efficiency of development strategies and plans and development theories. Based on paradigmatic-implicative theory, which explains the relationship between development theories and political thought and considers the development theory as one of the practical implications of political thought, a condition for the success of development strategies and development plans can be found to be rooted in the political thought foundation. Therefore, in the present article we explore the political thought supporting Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth theory, as one of the oldest and most important development theories which in the 1960s resulted in understanding development as “growth”. We use qualitative content analysis method to show that the political foundation of Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth theory is based on the principle of “the most utility for the most people” in accordance with Bentham’s utilitarian political thought.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between structural narratology and interdisciplinary studies. We will try to answer two main questions: What factors have been effective in narratology’s orientation toward interdisciplinary studies? Is this tendency the result of a possibility in narration or a methodological necessity? The movement of narratology to interdisciplinary is observable not only in new narratological tendencies but also in changes in structural theories. Therefore, this article will trace the roots of this tendency in the revises and critiques of these theories until 1970s. By tracing these changes it can be realized that the theories of structural narrotology have broken with idea of independence and self-sufficiency of literature and embraced other disciplines. The main factors in these changes are: attention to cultural elements and reading process in the perception of narrative structure. These considerations have been accompanied by some results; first, the main targets of narratology changed from investigating textual properties to reading and understanding the narration process; second, some disciplines and fields related to culture and mind studies found their way into narratology.

Abstract The present paper aims to find the factors influencing population growth in metropolises and thus provide a model for population growth in large cities based on expert opinions. Considering the fact that the multiple factors associated with life in the metropolis, affecting immigration, fertility and mortality, are from different fields, including economic, social, and cultural domains, this article is of an interdisciplinary nature. In the present article while the theoretical concepts are reviewed, the important factors affecting population growth are identified, and then grouped and studied as economic, cultural and social, geographical, infrastructural and urban facilities factors; following that a basic conceptual model is extracted. In this paper, a researcher-made questionnaire is distributed among thirty experts on demography, sociology, and economics. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) applied in this study showed that the “economic factors” have the greatest impact on the population growth in the metropolis of Tehran; and socio-cultural, infrastructural and geographical factors and urban facilities have lesser impacts. Also, in the final prioritizing, of the eleven sub-factors, the sub-factors of occupation, income, lifestyle, individual values and the cost of living, which had the greatest weight, were analyzed. At the end, the final model of population growth in metropolises is provided.

Abstract Different aspects of the poetry of Hafez have been studied so far.  The material and non-material features of his poetry have been examined in different fields such as literature and anthropology. Due to the influence and importance of Hafez’s poetry, it seems that it can be studied from the perspective of other fields as well. Communications science is among these fields, dealing with how and why communications are established between the speaker and the audience. In the present article the nonverbal aspects in the poetry of Hafez are studied. It seems that the verbal aspects of his poetry are not the only factors that have made it remain popular with the audience through generations; nonverbal aspects have played a great part as well. This article aims to examine the literary work in terms of nonverbal communications in order to demonstrate the skill of the poet in establishing communications with its audience beyond the boundaries of speech; the poet’s mastery over this feature is also culturally interpreted. The utilized method is qualitative content analysis.

Abstract Nowadays the concept of social capital is one of the most popular concepts in sociological studies. Some experts believe that social capital is among the most important factors with a significant part in individuals’ success in achieving their goals. So, the main purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between social capital and the nutritional knowledge of athletes. For this purpose, the theoretical framework and hypotheses of the research are set based on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory. The statistical population of the research includes 2300 athletes in the 2014 Sports Championship held at Shahid Beheshti University; 310 persons were selected by means of Morgan’s table and the stratified sampling method. The survey method and questionnaires were employed to collect the data. The findings of the research indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between social capital and the nutritional knowledge of athletes. 

Abstract Interdisciplinary studies can play a pivotal role in the growth and development of sciences, especially the humanities. In the present article, through semi-structured interviews with some experts and thinkers in Iran and the content analysis of their ideas, attempt is made to answer these questions: in the view of experts, what are the main obstacles to the development of humanities in Iran? And what role can interdisciplinary studies play in the development of humanities? The results of the study show that according to experts, “interdisciplinary development”, having the twelfth place among the sixteen important factors in the development of humanities, does not have a considerable effect on the development of humanities in Iran per se, and its efficacy depends on the existence of more important conditions, such as the provision of an open intellectual climate at universities and the independence of scientific community. The development of interdisciplinary studies can play a part in the development of humanities in Iran, only if it results in scientific synergy among experts in different disciplines of humanities, improves the scientific ability of professors, students and researchers, and makes humanities more applicable in society.

Abstract The direct bond between the Qur’an and Muslims’ beliefs is one of the important factors, considered to result in a kind of exclusivism in conducting research on the Qur’an on the part of religious scholars in the Islamic tradition of studying the Qur’an. Due to this kind of control, there has always been a restriction as to how the Qur’an must be approached. Thus, the results of these studies have been mainly in accordance with the Islamic beliefs and principles, because the researchers have already been fully familiar with Islam, Islamic theology and the Qur’an. But by the virtue of the changes and developments occurring in science and research and the emergence of interdisciplinary studies and also to avoid exclusivism, a larger number of researchers currently engage in Qur’anic studies. Considering the inevitability of this climate, the sensitivity of research on the Qur’an and necessity of preventing mistakes in this field, it is of great importance to identify theological requirements for Qur’anic study in various fields of research. This article, by focusing on the theological requirements for interdisciplinary research on the Qur’an and using library method, tries to introduce the requirements for this type of research at three levels of epistemology, terminology and methodology so as to develop a proper outline for such research and thus alleviate worries about the results of interdisciplinary Qur’anic studies.

Abstract Interdisciplinary research and education are legitimate only within a sphere that has affirmed the legitimacy of the modern age. One indication is a functional rupture with traditional forms of knowledge. The question is whether interdisciplinarity in Iran have fulfilled such a condition. It appears that two decades of interdisciplinary contributions in Iran still remain distant from the functions emerging from rupture. An examination of works that take interdisciplinarity itself as their subject, as well as works that discuss various subjects through an interdisciplinary approach, demonstrates that their authors maintain a continuity-oriented will toward tradition and the past. The resistance of Iranian writers and researchers to rupture with the past may be discussed under the category referred to as the secularization theorem. This theorem assumes that modern consciousness is the secularized form of ancient Christian or pagan consciousness. Iranian authors likewise, generally within the framework of the same theorem, seek to bring about an indigenous modernity through the rereading, transmission, and transformation of tradition. One sign of the failure of this mode of contribution is precisely the interdisciplinary arrangement of knowledge in Iran. Through a concise analysis of the secularization theorem by way of explaining the categories of substance/function and continuity/rupture, this article elucidates the pathology of continuity-oriented essentialism in the articles published in the Quarterly Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. It then, by focusing on one rupture-oriented article among them, prepares the ground for further discussions. Without continuity being called into question, and without a will toward rupture from the essences of tradition, neither the disciplinary system of knowledge nor the interdisciplinary system can fulfill their proper function.

Abstract The present study undertakes an interdisciplinary comparative analysis of two pivotal Iranian water laws: the Nationalization of Water Law (1968) and the Fair Water Distribution Law (1982). Drawing on appraisal theory and discourse analysis, the research examines the implicit attitudes, values, and ideologies embedded within the legal texts. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative content analyses. The dataset comprises the full texts of the two laws, with analytical categories encompassing attitude, gradation, and engagement. The frequency and distribution of these categories were meticulously calculated, and key textual examples were selected for critical discourse analysis. This approach allows for a systematic investigation of the interplay between language, discourse, and legal policy. Findings indicate that the monologic dimension in engagement exhibits the highest frequency in both laws (4.1% in the 1968 law and 9.2% in the 1982 law), reflecting the dominance of a single discourse and limited diversity of perspectives. However, significant differences emerge in attitudinal content: the 1968 law foregrounds negative elements such as unhappiness (3.5%), insecurity (3.2%), and dissatisfaction (2.9%), which, combined with intensified gradation, signify a control-oriented approach emphasizing the legitimacy of centralized water resource management. Conversely, the 1982 law features more positive elements, including security (6.9%), desire (6.4%), and happiness (5.5%), alongside social value orientations and amplified gradation, indicating a more optimistic attitudinal stance, legitimization of equitable water distribution, and reinforcement of stakeholder engagement.