Four Narrations of Understanding the Interdisciplinary Studies

Does everyone have the same understanding of interdisciplinary studies? Today, there is almost consensus among scholars and pundits on the necessity of interdisciplinary studies. Unlike a few decades ago, there is no longer interest of independence of the humanities areas. These areas are complex, and therefore interdisciplinary debates changed to public discourse. In this regard, there are several narrations about the meaning of interdisciplinary studies. One of them is trying to seek facts. Francis Bacon's scientific method i.e. basic principles of revolutionary behavior in the humanities, can be considered in this narration. Another narration is seeking criticism. Thinkers such as Herbert Marcuse, Jürgen Habermas involved in this approach. The third narration is searching for meaning. French structuralism, Hermeneutic and phenomenology are investigated within this approach. Finally, the fourth narration seeks narration. Poststructuralist, such as Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault and Jean-Francois Lyotard have this approach. Given to these macro and fundamental approaches that recognize the importance of interdisciplinary studies, this paper attempts to shed light on some aspects of these approaches enabling them to identify the position of interdisciplinary studies in Iran.