In this blog post, we will look at how the convergence of science and the humanities can lead to a paradigm shift in the scientific revolution.
The road to the scientific revolution, convergence
The 21st century is called the age of convergence. New disciplines are being created as a result of active exchanges between different disciplines. Biochemistry, molecular biology, evolutionary medicine, and mechatronics are representative examples of convergence disciplines that have been created by combining several disciplines. This convergence is not only between natural science and engineering, but also between science and technology, the humanities, social sciences, and philosophy. For example, Seoul National University is pursuing innovation through the convergence of various sciences and technologies through its Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, which is one of the examples that show the importance of convergence in modern academia.
However, the concept of convergence did not emerge in modern times. If we go back in history, science, art, and philosophy were already closely connected during the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci is a prime example of this, who created various innovative works by combining scientific research in anatomy, mathematics, and mechanical engineering with art. In addition, scientists like Galileo Galilei also fused philosophy and science to lead the scientific paradigm shift of the time. This means that the convergence we experience today is not just a product of modern technology, but an extension of academic exchanges that have developed over a long period of time.
Modern companies are also demanding integrated talents who can provide creative perspectives to the company based on their diverse experiences and extensive knowledge in line with this trend of convergence. The world-famous entrepreneur Steve Jobs combined his philosophical knowledge of aesthetics and Buddhism with technology to create electronic devices that have attracted worldwide attention. His example can be said to be a positive example of how modern convergence can lead to innovation.
What is convergence? Convergence is an important attempt to overcome the limitations of scientific fields where progress has reached a plateau and to suggest new directions by conducting independent research in each field. In this process, two or more scientific fields can be combined to create a completely new field. One of the successful examples of convergence is Professor Hong Sung-wook’s book “Science with a Human Face.” This book examines the relationship between science and the humanities, art, architecture, gender, law, and human rights, and shows that science can create new value through such convergence.
Three Forms of Convergence Science
Convergence science is broadly classified into three types. The first is convergence science and technology. This refers to a technological approach in which each discipline is applied in parallel while maintaining its independence to achieve a single goal. For example, in the development of autonomous vehicles, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are applied as independent fields, but they are combined for a single goal to achieve technological innovation. The second is interdisciplinary science. This is a method in which multiple disciplines cooperate to go beyond the limits of each field and present new perspectives. The third is syncretism. This is an integrative approach that encompasses natural science, humanities, and social science, and aims to connect knowledge.
When compared to the other two types of convergence, transdisciplinarity is a convergence that encompasses a broader range of categories, breaking down the boundaries of each field and pursuing complete integration. For example, the way ecology, economics, politics, and psychology are combined to solve environmental problems is a good example of transdisciplinarity. To see whether this convergence can lead to a scientific revolution, let’s consider the views of Thomas Kuhn and Karl Popper.
Convergence Science and Technology and Paradigm Shift
Thomas Kuhn argued in his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions that a scientific revolution occurs when an existing paradigm can no longer explain natural phenomena. Convergence science and technology point out the limitations of existing science and technology and offer the possibility of presenting new perspectives, but it may be difficult to completely shift the paradigm while each field maintains its independence. For example, in the process of discovering quantum mechanical anomalies, it is difficult to bring about a paradigm shift by simply combining physics and chemistry. A paradigm shift is possible only when the two disciplines truly interact and provide new perspectives.
The role of interdisciplinary science and convergence
On the other hand, interdisciplinary science and convergence may be a more suitable convergence method for paradigm shifts. In particular, convergence offers the possibility of creating a new paradigm by fully integrating various disciplines. While there may be questions about whether the convergence of the humanities and social sciences can serve as a science, if science can interpret natural and human phenomena from a new perspective without relying solely on the possibility of disproving them, it can be the basis for a scientific revolution.
The Future of Convergence and the Scientific Revolution
In the future society, convergence will serve as an important catalyst for the scientific revolution. In particular, the convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum computing technology has great potential. When the computational power of quantum computers and the learning ability of artificial intelligence are combined, we will gain problem-solving capabilities at a level that we have never imagined before. This can lead to a scientific revolution that goes beyond the simple combination of the two technologies and creates a new paradigm. In addition, since complex problems such as environmental issues and social inequality can no longer be solved by research in a single field, convergence across various fields is more essential. At this point, convergence becomes a core methodology that goes beyond a simple tool to create innovative solutions.
Conclusion
This essay examines the concept of convergence and its role. Convergence has the potential to lead to a scientific revolution by breaking down the boundaries between existing disciplines and presenting new perspectives. In particular, the complete convergence of disciplines, such as the integration of disciplines, can create a new paradigm, which will make a significant contribution to the development of science. Convergence is a virtue that every modern intellectual must have, and it will play an important role in science and society as a whole. It is expected that convergence will continue to help us solve various problems we face and lead to new innovations.
