A critical analysis of research paradigms in a subset of marine and maritime scholarly thought

Abstract

The application and applicability of the humanities and social sciences are not always visible in the practical world. This is especially the case in technology-dependent areas like the marine and maritime sectors. In these sectors, control, prediction and recommendations that rely on technologies and their advancement are of the utmost importance. These sectors are, after all, those on which we rely for international trade, defence and security, sources of food and other energy requirements, like oil and gas. At first glance, it would appear that the sectors are devoid of the humanities and social sciences and that these have a minimal, if not marginal role to play. The humanities and social sciences consist of a number of subject fields like anthropology, economics, history, international relations, law, philosophy and sociology. These fields of enquiry are at times service providers to sectors when their services are needed. This relegates the fields to the cupboard of scientific investigation when long-term strategies are developed, which should not be the case. The humanities and social sciences should play a constant role in a human-dominated world. The maritime sector is, after all, human constructed. Trade routes, ports, harbours, warehouses, cranes, rail links and truck routes are not natural occurrences; neither are the technologies that constitute and sustain them. Because of the dominance of the human element, even in the marine environment, the humanities and social sciences can play a more fruitful role in creating opportunities and solving problems. What is more, it is not only the humanities and social sciences that are of importance, but also how humans view the world and react to it either through theoretical or concrete means. Here, paradigms and theories of various kinds from the humanities and social sciences also have their place.