SOME REFlECTIONS ON STEAM EPISTEMIOlOGIES: SYNKRASIS, MIXIS OR SYNTHESIS?

Abstract

The introduction focuses on the ancient Greek concepts of synkrasis and mixis, linking them to modern interdisciplinary frameworks and STEAM education methodologies. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the integration quality among STEAM subjects, highlighting a tendency among educators to oversimplify these relationships. The historical emergence of disciplines in the 19th century and their implications for knowledge production is discussed, noting critiques of rigid boundaries that limit inquiry. Interdisciplinarity, while a contemporary focus, has roots in ancient understandings, yet it now often struggles against the fragmentation of knowledge. The distinctions between interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches are clarified, with transdisciplinarity positioned as a more collaborative and integrative method that transcends traditional boundaries. Transdisciplinarity is identified as a vital research principle that fosters holistic integration, essential for addressing complex global challenges. It contrasts with temporary interdisciplinary collaborations by advocating for sustained change in scientific inquiry structures. The conclusion underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of disciplines and their historical context, advocating for a revival of coherent disciplinary concepts within transdisciplinary frameworks.