Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

The challenges and barriers of interdisciplinary theorizing in Iran

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

A. َAlikhani

Associate Professor, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22035/isih.2024.5302.5024
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.

Keywords

Iran
humanities
social sciences
interdisciplinarity
theorizing

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 06 April 2024
  • Revise Date 25 April 2024
  • Accept Date 04 June 2024

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