Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration and Justification

Topic: Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration and Justification
 
Spearker: Dr. Y. Nakamori,School of Knowledge Science,Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
 
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. June 30, 2014
 
Venue: H309, Building 6, Zhongguancun Campus
 
Abstract:

We understand that mathematical systems approaches are not sufficient to provide effective answers to contemporary complex problems. Therefore, we established an International Society for Knowledge and Systems Sciences in the year of 2000, in which we have been discussing new systems approaches that incorporate methods of knowledge management. From this background, a theory of knowledge construction systems was born. It is a systems approach to synthesize a variety of knowledge and justify or verify new knowledge.

Biographical sketch

Yoshiteru Nakamori received PhD degree in applied mathematics and physics from Kyoto University in January 1980. He joined Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in April 1998 as a professor of School of Knowledge Science. Since then, he has been working on development of knowledge systems methodology, incorporating the approaches of complex systems, and its application to environmental issues. His recent research interest is the theory of knowledge creation systems, which integrates approaches in systems science, affective engineering, and knowledge management. From November 2003 to December 2008, he served as the president of the International Society for Knowledge and Systems Sciences. From April 2008 to March 2010, he served as a vice-president of the International Federation of Systems Research. Since April 2010, he has been a fellow of the International Academy for Systems and Cybernetics Sciences.

The theory consists of three parts in relation to each other: a knowledge construction model; analysis of actors’ abilities against social structures; knowledge justification principles. This theory deals with different types of knowledge integration: specialized integration; interdisciplinary integration; intercultural integration. In this presentation, after presenting the theory, examples of interdisciplinary and intercultural knowledge integration will be introduced in detail: a sales management system of perishable goods; a regional health management system of mild diabetes. Finally, possible future studies will be discussed.