Transdisciplinarity and the post-disciplinary paradigm in health

Abstract

The present paper is aimed at updating an ongoing conceptual research on transdisciplinarity and complexity. With this aim, firstly, the notion of 'discipline' is discussed in the cartesian epistemological frame of reference, foundation of dominant paradigms in modern science. Second, principles and constitutive elements of what has been named "complexity paradigm", supposedly a transforming landmark for contemporary science, are briefly introduced. Third, an evolutive synthesis of methodological projects of organization of techno-scientific practice that have been designated as interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity is presented. In paralel, it is discussed, more systematically, the development and use of such concepts, in order to evaluate what has been proposed as their integrative perspective into the realm of scientific practice. Finally, some sketched epistemological and theoretical questions are discussed, updating a debate with interlocutors and critiques in health and correlate scientific fields.