Replicability and replication in the humanities.

Area of Science:

• Humanities research
• Academic disciplines
• Scientific methodology

Background:

• The "replication crisis" is a growing concern in biomedical and social sciences.
• The applicability of replication to the humanities remains largely unexplored.
• Conceptual clarity is needed regarding "replication," "reproduction," and "replicability."

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the possibility and desirability of replication in the humanities.
• To define key terms central to the replication debate.
• To address arguments against replication in humanities research.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of "humanities," "reproduction," and "replicability."
• Examination of the object of replication (studies, inferences, results).
• Argumentation against perceived barriers to humanities replication.

Main Results:

• Identified and clarified key terminology for replication studies.
• Presented and refuted three common arguments against replication in the humanities.
• Developed a case for the possibility of replication in the humanities.

Conclusions:

• Replication in the humanities is conceptually possible.
• Arguments against humanities replication are unconvincing.
• Replication is not only possible but also desirable for advancing humanities scholarship.