SHEDDING THE STAGNANT SLOUGH SYNDROME - INTERDISCIPLINARY INTEGRATION

An argument for an increased level of interdisciplinary dialogue and e xchange is presented and supported by historical and present-day examp les. Philosophical and paradigmatic barriers to the free exchange of i deas between representatives of diverse disciplines are identified as well as ways of overcoming such barriers. Implications of an interdisc iplinary emphasis on present and future learning environments are furt her introduced, and examples of successful interdisciplinary endeavors are discussed. Efforts to integrate the two distinct but related fiel ds of psychology and music, in areas of academics and community psycho logical interventions, are introduced as examples. An alternative phil osophical foundation for the development and implementation of interdi sciplinary strategies is introduced. Finally, the basic building block s for creating a new inclusive interdisciplinary environment are intro duced-a common purpose, a common language, and a shared model.