Towards a Theory of Knowledge Systems for Integrative Socio-Natural Science

Knowledge system theory (KST) seeks to close the rift between hard and soft methods by reimposing the von Bertalanffy definition of a system while allowing that systems are epistemological constructs. KST is located within the broad thrust of western philosophy by association with classical rationalism, modernism and with the 20th century rediscovery of emergence. KST blurs the conventional distinctions of research management from research method and of science from metaphysics. A research team is an appreciative system whose purpose is to create useful new knowledge within time and budgetary constraints. An undisciplined research team can destabilize the human ecosystems it is contracted to serve. There are ethical and pragmatic reasons for accepting certain disciplines. One way of avoiding these ethical problems is to study academic knowledge creation both as a source of practical insights that can be used to manage the research process more effectively and of theoretical insights that provide a wider understanding of cultural ecodynamics. In general, the larger the group, the less it can be said to know. This suggests resolution into small workgroups with relatively simple and infrequent information flow between them. A provisional typology of knowledge communities and research problems is presented and practical advice for the organization of integrative research offered. This advice challenges the popular view that communication is best served by removing the boundaries between epistemic communities. Intellectual diversity is an asset that must be conserved.