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Interfield Theories

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2022

Lindley Darden and
Nancy Maull
Lindley Darden
Affiliation:
University of Maryland and Yale University
Nancy Maull
Affiliation:
University of Maryland and Yale University
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Abstract

This paper analyzes the generation and function of hitherto ignored or misrepresented interfield theories, theories which bridge two fields of science. Interfield theories are likely to be generated when two fields share an interest in explaining different aspects of the same phenomenon and when background knowledge already exists relating the two fields. The interfield theory functions to provide a solution to a characteristic type of theoretical problem: how are the relations between fields to be explained? In solving this problem, the interfield theory may provide answers to questions which arise in one field but cannot be answered within it alone, may focus attention on domain items not previously considered important, and may predict new domain items for one or both fields. Implications of this analysis for the problems of reduction and the unity and progress of science are mentioned.

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Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 44 , Issue 1 , March 1977, pp. 43 - 64
Copyright
Copyright © 1977 by the Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

Lindley Darden gratefully acknowledges the support of a faculty research award from the General Research Board of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland.

References

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