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Seeking a rapprochement between anthropology and the cognitive sciences: a problem-driven approach.
Harvey Whitehouse1, Emma Cohen
1School of Anthropology, University of Oxford.
Topics in Cognitive Science
|June 20, 2012
Summary
Social anthropology and cognitive sciences can collaborate effectively. By focusing on problem-driven research and shared expertise, interdisciplinary challenges in understanding cooperation can be overcome.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Social Anthropology
- Evolutionary Studies
Background:
- The necessity of integrating social anthropology into cognitive sciences is debated.
- Obstacles to interdisciplinary collaboration exist between these fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential for fruitful rapprochement between social anthropology and cognitive sciences.
- To reframe the integration challenge as collaborative deployment of expertise in problem-driven research.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and theoretical framing.
- Focus on problem-driven research initiatives.
- Examination of the evolution of cooperation as a case study.
Main Results:
- Significant scope exists for collaboration between social anthropology and cognitive sciences.
- Reframing the issue from disciplinary reconciliation to collaborative expertise is proposed.
- The evolution of cooperation serves as a relevant example for interdisciplinary study.
Conclusions:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between social anthropology and cognitive sciences is feasible and beneficial.
- A focus on shared problem-solving and methodological/theoretical expertise can bridge disciplinary divides.
- Further research exploring the evolution of cooperation can benefit from this integrated approach.
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