Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EPISTEAM (Epistemology in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths.)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-11-01 bis 2025-10-31
EPISTEAM stands for Epistemology in Art, Science and Technology. The objective of the Consortium of 14 partners behind this project is to develop an intersectoral and interdisciplinary common research program for cutting-edge strategies of technological mediation and innovation with a direct impact on society and knowledge construction (epistemology). The fundamental problem that Episteam addresses is the negative impact of digital technologies on the construction of knowledge and truth conducive to an epistemic crisis inside and outside academia.
The key objective of the project is to propose a model of epistemological diversification through transdisciplinary research. In the context of EPISTEAM, transdisciplinary research will inquire at the crossovers between art, science and technology, expanding the boundaries between different disciplines involved in the process. Crucially, Episteam develops the hypothesis that diversification of epistemological positions is key to responsible technological innovation.
Research Objective (1) To develop a digital hermeneutic framework (WP1) and platform for deliberation (text, image, and speech) to demonstrate alternative epistemological processes in specific disciplines (Digital Studies, Architecture, New Media, Neuroscience and proton accelerator Physics).
Reseacrh Objective (2) To develop and implement a framework for responsible and ethical technological innovation (WP2), including technological impact assessments tools which incorporate a inter/transdisciplinary approach in specific disciplines (Architecture and the Built Environment, Neuroscience, and Media Studies).
Research Objective (3) To develop and investigate specific examples of contemporary epistemological challenges related to cognition and emotion (WP3) using machine learning. EpisTeaM will research the ethical and epistemological impacts of post-human embodied cognition leading to epistemic values.
Research Objective (4) To develop alternative epistemologies (WP4) through the new modes of experimentation (technological failures and fabulations) and alternative histories of technological evolution. These modes of experimentation will be embedded in specific techno-scientific contexts (AI, Particle Physics, Architecture)
The consortium exchanges skills and knowledge strengthen collaborative research between different partners and sectors, producing a series of academic and non-academic outputs that revert to the wider community through open-access channels of dissemination and pedagogical actions. The staff members and researchers who participate in the project develop new skills and are exposed to new research environments contributing to the strengthening of the European model of open-access research.
This research team proposes an epistemology that is located within a genealogy of thinking that understands epistemology and technology as a mode of technē (technical practices that influence the way in which knowledge construction takes place),which possesses an irreducible political and social dimension.
The key objective of the project is to propose a model of epistemological diversification through transdisciplinary research. In the context of EPISTEAM, transdisciplinary research will inquire at the crossovers between art, science and technology, expanding the boundaries between different disciplines involved in the process. Crucially, Episteam develops the hypothesis that diversification of epistemological positions is key to responsible technological innovation.
Research Objective (1) To develop a digital hermeneutic framework (WP1) and platform for deliberation (text, image, and speech) to demonstrate alternative epistemological processes in specific disciplines (Digital Studies, Architecture, New Media, Neuroscience and proton accelerator Physics).
Reseacrh Objective (2) To develop and implement a framework for responsible and ethical technological innovation (WP2), including technological impact assessments tools which incorporate a inter/transdisciplinary approach in specific disciplines (Architecture and the Built Environment, Neuroscience, and Media Studies).
Research Objective (3) To develop and investigate specific examples of contemporary epistemological challenges related to cognition and emotion (WP3) using machine learning. EpisTeaM will research the ethical and epistemological impacts of post-human embodied cognition leading to epistemic values.
Research Objective (4) To develop alternative epistemologies (WP4) through the new modes of experimentation (technological failures and fabulations) and alternative histories of technological evolution. These modes of experimentation will be embedded in specific techno-scientific contexts (AI, Particle Physics, Architecture)
The consortium exchanges skills and knowledge strengthen collaborative research between different partners and sectors, producing a series of academic and non-academic outputs that revert to the wider community through open-access channels of dissemination and pedagogical actions. The staff members and researchers who participate in the project develop new skills and are exposed to new research environments contributing to the strengthening of the European model of open-access research.
This research team proposes an epistemology that is located within a genealogy of thinking that understands epistemology and technology as a mode of technē (technical practices that influence the way in which knowledge construction takes place),which possesses an irreducible political and social dimension.
The activities under scientific work packages WP1, WP2, WP3 and WP4 demonstrate significant progress in advancing digital studies and epistemology, as well as digital perception and built reality, sensing the body, and teckné and the experiment. WP1 highlights is the establishment of the Dracology Research Group, focusing on digital hermeneutics and ontology, and the design of a related platform. Key events include the Third Annual ECT Lab+ Conference on "Speculative Inquiries," (D1.1) a related open-access publication, and the Episteam Summer School on large language models and the hyperlocal (D1.2). The Fifth Annual ECT Lab+ Conference on critical perspectives on digital hermeneutics took place in November, just beyond the limit of 1-RP. WP2 Deliverable (D2.4) the 4th ECT Lab international conference was completed early, and focussed on AI perspectives. A training event (seminar) on sensing the body was organised under WP3 framework (D3.1) and WP4 hosted a seminar on Epistemic krises (D4.1). Interrelated, all events worked towards a model of epistemological diversification. Notable outcomes at this stage are the publication of two collected editions, with a third in preparation.
So far, scientific impacts contribute to research in the area of epistemology across disciplines, as transdisciplinary epistemology which includes arts, science and technology. The immediate impact of the project is the development of specifics disciplinary cases where the implementation of methodological advances take place in the context of their disciplines.The scientific impact of EPISTEAM is represented within the variety of research outputs including 2 monographs, peer-reviewed articles, doctoral research, exhibitions and artistic residencies. The 2 published collected Editions on Speculative Inquiries and AI stories offer some preliminary results (see publications tab).
The expected Economic impacts of EPISTEAM are directly related to the creative and cultural industries in Europe where new modes of public art making and exhibitions are being developed. EPISTEAM is e a leading example of art, science and technology collaboration in a highly visible context of the contemporary art world and artistic research platforms. The emergence of new roles within companies such as digital ethicists, or AI epistemological challenges of recognising deep fakes, fake news etc points the necessity of expertise of EPISTEAM, there is also the potential to develop new technologies (patents, invention disclosures), or spin out (tech transfer) from the project directly linked to European social democratic principles. A third monograph ( collected volume) on digital hermeneutics is currently being prepared and will be published in open-access.
The expected Economic impacts of EPISTEAM are directly related to the creative and cultural industries in Europe where new modes of public art making and exhibitions are being developed. EPISTEAM is e a leading example of art, science and technology collaboration in a highly visible context of the contemporary art world and artistic research platforms. The emergence of new roles within companies such as digital ethicists, or AI epistemological challenges of recognising deep fakes, fake news etc points the necessity of expertise of EPISTEAM, there is also the potential to develop new technologies (patents, invention disclosures), or spin out (tech transfer) from the project directly linked to European social democratic principles. A third monograph ( collected volume) on digital hermeneutics is currently being prepared and will be published in open-access.