Case Studies in the Development of Multidisciplinary Subjects

Abstract

The development of multidisciplinary subjects is illustrated by the case studies in four different subject-fields, namely, General Systems Theory, Sociobiology, Solar Energy Studies and International Relations. Each of these subjects illustrate the different modes of formation mainly Distrillation. Fusion, Entity Cluster posulated by S R Ranganathan. A chronology of contributions to the development of different fields is presented. These landmarks indicate the status of maturation of subjects towards an integrated discipline. The input of different disciplines to the formation of the new subject and the application of the new subject to other disciplines are presented. The development indicates the ramification of multidisciplinary subjects in the current environment of knowledge.