Evocult

One major problem in the field of Cultural Evolution Studies is to find a reliable way to integrate the insight of the different disciplines studying aspects of the phenomena (have been identified as the primary “Grand challenge” by the practitioner in the field (Brewer et al., 2017)).

The aim of the project is to offer a precise account of the problem through computer-assisted means by (1) evaluating how does the meaning of core terminology in the field (“fitness”, “selection”, etc.) vary across authors, schools of thought, or subfields and (2) identifying the social structure of the field, and it’s influence the dissemination of knowledge in it.

The project will bring together the expertise of Vincent Larivière (Université de Montréal, Québec), a highly recognized bibliometrician and Charles H. Pence (Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgique), notably known for his work in experimental philosophy of science. That interdisciplinary collaboration will allow integration of both the social dimension and the epistemic one in studying knowledge integration dynamic in the field. By doing so, the expertise of both institution will be brought to light by increasing their respective visibility, especially in the domain of multilevel study of science.

Faculty Supervisor:

Vincent Larivière

Student:

Partner:

Université Catholique de Louvain

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: