The X(Disciplinarity) of Information Science

Abstract

The Master Thesis deals with the x-disciplinarity of information science, as it is considered as a multi-, interor transdisciplinary discipline in the discourse of this subject. But what in particular do these concepts mean and how are they specifically differentiated from each other? The thesis introduces the concept of disciplinarity with a historical approach and presents the development of different cooperation concepts (multi-, trans-, interdisciplinarity) as well as of the concept of transscience (Transwissenschaft). The disciplinarity of information science is analyzed on a communicational, social and cognitive level. Beside the definition of the term “information”, the paradigmatic development of information science is drafted, followed by an evaluation of relevant publications and an application of the different concepts of disciplinarity to information science. It is concluded, on the basis of a critical analysis, that real collaboration within the discipline is needed instead of blurry labels.