Working At The Interface Of Cultures

This essay is about how scientists who work in another culture often change, and how this change affects their scientific work. The authors discuss how this change can be a challenge, a stimulus, a provocation, and an inspiration to advances in scientific theory.

Behind the mask of objective science lie the dynamics of what happens to scientists who go to live and work in another culture. Those who work and study in an alien culture often find themselves changed in ways that affect their scientific work. How does this challenge, stimulate, provoke, suggest and inspire advances and novelty in their theories, methods and instruments? Originally published in 1997, each of the essays in this title explores these issues through the experiences of a distinguished practitioner, describing the process of intellectual growth and development. Chosen for their extensive experience with people holding a different worldview, the authors have all achieved renown for their contributions to the social science of culture.