Field philosophy

Field Philosophy emphasizes the idea of taking philosophers beyond the study or classroom and out into society. Just as scientific fieldwork (eg, geology) is interested in observing phenomena outside of the laboratory or the typical work place setting, field philosophy seeks to help scientists, engineers, and policy makers with the philosophic aspects of everyday experiences. Field philosophy has been developed by the University of North Texas Center for the Study of Interdisciplinarity (CSID) over the last 15 years.

Robert Frodeman, the Director of CSID, describes field philosophy as "leaving the book-lined study to work with scientists, engineers and decision makers on specific social challenges. Field Philosophers begin with the problems of non-philosophers, drawing out specific, underappreciated, philosophic dimensions of societal problems" (Frodeman). Learn more about field philosophy here.

Maya's work in our microbiology lab during the summer of 2013 is an example of a case study of field philosophy. Read about her experiences here.