WoKs by AoKs

Experience /perception Mathematics

Drawn on to stimulate imaginative solutions Used in applying maths to real world Primary mode of discovery/evidence Extended by measurement technology Primary mode of discovery - following nat.sci Complexity of measuring human action a major challenge Recorded perceptions and experiences form main source of evidence Interpretation of evidence a challenge Primary mode of engagement for audience Drawn on by artists in creating pieces of art Experience influences opinions about morality Interpretation of situation requires perception

Reason
Primary mode of discovery Deductive logic used to make proofs Imagination for new realms of maths Inductive logic based on empirical evidence used to support/challenge hypotheses and generate new ones As for nat. sci. In qualitative approaches, logic also based on nonempirical evidence gathered in systematic inquiry Deductive logic used to construct plausible account of historical causes. Justification rather than proof Not a requirement in the generation of art, but involved in critique and response to art Deductive logic involved in moving from ethical framework to opinion about specific situation

Emotion
Involved in the imaginative development of new realms Involved in the aesthetic appreciation of patterns and elegance in formulae Ideally not involved in practice, but central to meta-issues: choice of hypotheses vs funding; publication; academic debate Traditionally as for nat. sci., but some qual. approaches emphasise subjective perspective of researcher, validating emotional reasons for research Involved in selection of evidence, interpretation of significance and meaning of evidence Historiographical perspective always in political context Central to making impact on audience; motivation for creation of art; arguably key purpose to provoke emotional response

Language
Is maths a language of its own? Absence of ambiguity of mathematical statements a key distinctive Definition of terms Reporting of results requires language Translation issues usually resolvable Significant challenges with definitions of terms & constructs Use of language is itself a topic for study Translation issues more difficult to resolve A central issue -language over time Linguistic and cultural context of evidence Subjective use in the writing of history Central in some forms (literature, film) A resource of meaning that can be incorporated/played with for effect

Natural Sciences

Human Sciences

History

Art Ethics

Central to sense of justice Discussion and debate occurs in Tension with logic required in ethical human language frameworks Meanings need to be clarified

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Keys issues in each AoK

Focus/key concepts Certainty? Mathematics Natural Sciences Human Sciences History

Precise description of abstract realms applied to reality and used heavily in sciences. Description and explanation of material reality through empirical observation and inductive generalisation Description and explanation of social reality through empirical and non-empirical observation and inductive generalisation Description of explanation of historical social reality (causes, effects of past human action), through systematic interpretation of evidence Creation of forms (visual or otherwise) that communicate ideas and opinions. Often Aesthetically pleasing or provocative Answering questions about morality what should we do in XYZ situation? Moral component of religious beliefs Yes -but only inside axiomatic framework, once applied to real world, purity of abstract realm is lost Absolute certainty not attainable due to measurement and inductive logic but scientific knowledge most reliable and well justified of all AoKs No, due to complexity of human action, as well as inductive logic issue as above. But strong evidence and justified knowledge is possible No, due to incomplete perspective of the past, as well as complexity of human action. History always located in historian's perspective. But agreed knowledge can be reached. No. Not relevant! Core feature of art is ambiguity, possibility of multiple meanings. Goal is stimulation, rather than resolution of knowledge

Strengths
Allows precision like no other AoK Heavily used in scientific inquiry Easily transferable across languages Has delivered more justified knowledge than any other AoK Has been applied to technology and has transformed society Has delivered new justified knowledge about social reality Is adapting to more subjective approaches to knowledge development Allows us to learn from previous experiences Provides a context for current human action Provides an outlet for the 'highest' aspects of humanity; creativity, beauty; Provides a critical perspective on rational progress

Art

Ethics

No, although generally agreed principles in a Enables issues of justice, cause and given society are treated as certain within consequence, harm and benefit to be defined contexts. discussed and hopefully improved

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