University teaching in “hard” and “soft” sciences: Academic tribes, or towards a common culture?

Abstract

This paper critically analyzes the distinction between the so-called ?hard? and ?soft? sciences, with a particular emphasis on the teaching quality in these academic fields. Firstly, it presents the origin and characteristics of this popular dichotomy, as well the idea of a hierarchy of sciences in philosophy and sociology. It then points out the relative inadequacy of this hierarchy, but also its heuristic value, based on relevant and contemporary research on scientific knowledge and university teaching. In this regard, it thoroughly analyzes the concepts of academic tribes, territories, and epistemic cultures at the university environments. We argue that the anthropological concept of culture can offer valuable insights into the inner workings of physical, life, and social sciences, and claim that different academic cultures significantly influence the character of university teaching. Finally, this paper emphasizes the possibility of building a common academic culture in terms of teaching quality, i.e. a shared quality culture.