Reflections on the Wellsprings of Interdisciplinary Studies and Transformative Education

Abstract

To make the case for the importance of interdisciplinary studies, Minnich appeals to its wellsprings. She reflects on how her own field of philosophy encourages questioning of assumptions and methods; on her political concerns for freedom, justice and equality; and on her commitment to a model of education that trusts students to follow questions and issues that really matter to them. In this context she cautions that it is important to question in and across even new interdisciplinary fields such as women’s studies, ethnic studies or disability studies. The form and content of her reflections challenge educators to think through their own goals and how to assess whether they have achieved them.