[Homework Notebook (Self-Study)] Specialization and Interdisciplinarity

Noah's Ark was built by amateurs, while the Titanic was built by experts.

When we hear the term 'expert' in some field, it feels as though they are self-contained, but it is impossible for experts to never make mistakes.

To make serendipity possible, it is also important to have an interdisciplinary mindset.

It is important to exchange ideas not only with closely related fields like anthropology and linguistics, but also with fields that are completely different.

Currently, in the business world, cross-industry exchange has naturally become popular, but in academia, there are still many scholars who remain in their 'silos' and refuse to take a single step out.

It is said that when the first autofocus camera was being developed, the developers were troubled because the motor to adjust the focus would not fit compactly.

The developers were electrical engineers, but when a mechanical engineer came along and asked, 'Why don't you use a mainspring?', they succeeded in the development by using a mainspring to turn it.

It seems that electrical engineers think of motors first, while mechanical engineers think of mainsprings.

In any case, if you stay inside your own hard shell, you cannot create anything.

While 'interdisciplinary' sounds grand, Said, in 'Representations of the Intellectual', states that 'the intellectual is an exile and a marginal, as well as an amateur, and a speaker of truth to power,' and two paths are open to the intellectual.

'Representations of the Intellectual' (Heibonsha Library) by Edward W. Said, translated by Yoichi Ohashi

Specialization and amateurism.

However, if one chooses specialization, which 'sacrifices general education to make people conform only to specific authorities or normative ways of thinking,' the result is that 'by sacrificing everything to secure the status of an expert, one loses spontaneity and ends up doing only what one is told by others.'

And he says that what 'shakes this up' is amateurism.

I think Masao Yamaguchi is one of Japan's cultural heroes, and his distinct characteristic was interdisciplinarity, that is, intellectual transversality and crossover.

Proper scholars do not commit territorial infringement, so many disliked him.

However, to create new value in society, the 'dubiousness' like that of Yamaguchi was absolutely necessary.

Regarding this, Inuhiko Yomota offers the following counterargument.

Making bold statements about things outside one's area of expertise may seem carefree, but in reality, it is terribly dangerous and requires great courage.

For one thing, you have no idea where criticism or counterarguments might come flying from.

For example, while I am socially recognized as an expert in film history, when I speak about issues concerning Zainichi Koreans or international conflicts, it is not carefree just because it is outside my expertise; in fact, it is the opposite.

I cannot help but write while bearing the risk of who exactly will read, understand, or perhaps misunderstand what I have written.

In that respect, experts in international relations are protected by the 'objectivity' of their discipline and, as long as they carry the weapons of technical jargon, they can speak from a much safer and more stable position than I can.

However, I would like to say this.

As long as you remain confined within the fortress of your specialization (or industry, if you prefer), there are words that you must never utter.

That is to shout, 'The Emperor has no clothes!'

Speaking with self-admonition, when you continue in only one profession as an engineer, you can become completely immersed in the way of thinking within that field.

Working even a little bit in a different world can sometimes help you see your own position as an engineer.

You get used to your own industry, and your perspective narrows.

People used to call it 'wearing two pairs of straw sandals,' but it is necessary to have a multi-faceted way of thinking.

'Recommendation for Multi-faceted Thinking: Facing an Era of Transformation That Requires Harmony' by Saburo Nagakura

'Intellectual Multi-faceted Thinking Method: The Switch for Creativity That Everyone Possesses' (Kodansha +α Bunko) by Takehiko Kariya

'Thinking Skills Improvement Drill: From Critical Thinking to Scientific Thinking' by Ryo Uehara

Even if you don't take on a side job, it is important to talk to people in different industries or with different values.

Having a website can also be a training ground for multi-faceted thinking.

When you put a hobby or interest to the forefront, there will always be people who agree, and those people may sometimes view that hobby from a completely different perspective.

At the very least, you will be tempered by competing in a different arena.

In the West, the term 'outreach activities' for scientists is heard on a daily basis.

"Practice! Introduction to Outreach" edited by Shunsuke Takagi / Daisuke Fujita

"Comprehensive Community Living Support for People with Severe Mental Disabilities: Philosophy and Skills of Outreach Activities" (Academic Series) by Keiko Mishina

It is said that this includes activities where scientists recognize the needs, questions, and anxieties of citizens through dialogue with them.

In the UK, scientific research funding agencies mandate outreach activities for researchers and use them as criteria for salary increases.

In the US as well, the Nanotechnology Act, which was enacted, positions outreach activities as a part of nanotechnology research, indicating that it is highly valued.

In Japan, this has been implemented in forms such as "visiting lectures" and "public openings," but more often than not, it tends to be mere one-way public relations activity.

Rather, initiatives like the "Café Scientifique" in Western countries, where a small number of participants engage in casual dialogue with scientists at cafes, bars, or bookstores, are more desirable.

Discussing science in places closely tied to daily life can also serve as an opportunity for citizens to enjoy science as a culture.

And it should lead to new discoveries.

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