Do the Humanities Create Knowledge?

Skilfully demonstrates how the natural sciences and humanities are both involved in generating different but legitimate forms of disciplinary knowledge.

Chris Haufe (Author)

9781316512500, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 December 2023

262 pages
23.6 x 16 x 1.8 cm, 0.5 kg

'… offers valuable discussion … Recommended.' S. E. Forschler, CHOICE

There is in certain circles a widely held belief that the only proper kind of knowledge is scientific knowledge. This belief often runs parallel to the notion that legitimate knowledge is obtained when a scientist follows a rigorous investigative procedure called the 'scientific method'. Chris Haufe challenges this idea. He shows that what we know about the so-called scientific method rests fundamentally on the use of finely tuned human judgments directed toward certain questions about the natural world. He suggests that this dependence on judgment in fact reveals deep affinities between scientific knowledge and another, equally important, sort of comprehension: that of humanistic creative endeavour. His wide-ranging and stimulating new book uncovers the unexpected unity underlying all our efforts – whether scientific or arts-based – to understand human experience. In so doing, it makes a vital contribution to broader conversation about the value of the humanities in an increasingly STEM-saturated educational culture.

1. Introduction
2. 'What would the community think?'
3. Canon and consensus
4. Knowing what matters
5. In defense of how things seem
6. Reading what lies within
7. Humanities victorious?
8. Of interest
9. The hoax and the humanities.

Subject Areas: Philosophy [HP]