Building Theory in the Sciences of the Artificial
Date
2009
Authors
Gregor, Shirley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Association for Computing Machinery Inc (ACM)
Abstract
This essay extends Simon's arguments in the Sciences of the Artificial to a critical examination of how theorizing in Information Technology disciplines should occur. The essay is framed around a number of fundamental questions that relate theorizing in the artificial sciences to the traditions of the philosophy of science. Theorizing in the artificial sciences is contrasted with theorizing in other branches of science and the applicability of the scientific method is questioned. The paper argues that theorizing should be considered in a holistic manner that links two modes of theorizing: an interior mode with the how of artifact construction studied and an exterior mode with the what of existing artifacts studied. Unlike some representations in the design science movement the paper argues that the study of artifacts once constructed can not be passed back uncritically to the methods of traditional science. Seven principles for creating knowledge in IT disciplines are derived: (i) artifact system centrality; (ii) artifact purposefulness; (iii) need for design theory; (iv) induction and abduction in theory building; (v) artifact construction as theory building; (vi) interior and exterior modes for theorizing; and (viii) issues with generality. The implicit claim is that consideration of these principles will improve knowledge creation and theorizing in design disciplines, for both design science researchers and also for researchers using more traditional methods. Further, attention to these principles should lead to the creation of more useful and relevant knowledge.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: Design science; Philosophy of science; Philosophy of technology; Practical sciences; Sciences of the artificial; Theory; Theory building; Buildings; Design; Information systems; Ontology; Philosophical aspects; Research Design science; Philosophy of science; Philosophy of technology; Practical sciences; Sciences of the artificial; Theory; Theory building
Citation
Collections
Source
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology (DESRIST 2009)
Type
Conference paper
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
License Rights
Restricted until
2037-12-31
Downloads
File
Description