Superficial depth and deep superficiality: the dilemma of human sciences between disciplinary and interdisciplinary research

Abstract

This article has the purpose of discussing the necessity of rethinking the conflict between disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity, as if they were in an irreconcilable opposition. We try to demonstrate that the richness of Human Sciences increases with the open confrontation between these two research modalities in order to fulfill each other’s blanks. By means of this analysis, we give a new meaning to the terms superficiality and depth, trying to overcome the ancient opposition that considers depth as a good thing in opposition to the superficial character. By doing this, we are reviewing, helped by Carlo Ginsburg’s theory, the opposition between rhetoric and proof, or, in other terms, between factuality and argumentative demonstration. Through the confrontation of disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity limits, we try to point new scientific directions, showing solutions which are able to stimulate a frequent review of scientific paradigms.