A Dynamic Model of Interdisciplinarity: Limits and Possibilities of Interdisciplinary Research into Law

Abstract:     
In the paper we will explore some of the major limits and possibilities of interdisciplinary research into law. In how far is the science of law open to insights from other disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, philosophy, economics and literature studies? We will approach this question by confronting two contrary positions: pragmatism (Dewey) that argues for the fundamental comparability and compatibility of theories on the one hand and positivism (Kelsen and Luhmann) that points to the limits thereof on the other. Following on this debate, we will present a dynamic model of interdisciplinarity in which different types of interdisciplinary legal research will be presented, moving from the monodisciplinary towards a fully integrated interdisciplinary perspective. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of interdisciplinary research into law will be discussed.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 30

Keywords: interdisciplinary research, legal research, interdisciplinarity, Dewey, Kelsen, Luhmann

working papers series