ABSTRACT
187One of the important roles that philosophical discussion about the concept of scientific imperialism might play is providing resources and analysis that help clarify and assess different types of interdisciplinary relationships, and the commitments they involve. This is particularly relevant for disciplines and fields not yet clear on how to interpret or understand the nature of their relationships with fields from other disciplines, particularly ones that might be moving into their territory. It is important for the groups involved to be clear on their options, as well as the ramifications of each option for their disciplines, and how desirable each option might be on philosophical, particularly epistemological and methodological, grounds. Such advice, when given, needs to take into account not just theoretical arguments for interaction between fields but the practicalities of research on the ground given the social, technical, and other constraints that govern scientific practice and scientific interactions. We look for practical, not just abstract, solutions.
