| Title | Coordinating our way out of the poly-crisis |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Krist Vaesen (author) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0507.05 |
| Landing page | https://www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.11647/obp.0507/chapters/10.11647/obp.0507.05 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Krist Vaesen |
| Publisher | Open Book Publishers |
| Published on | 2026-02-06 |
| Long abstract | Chapter 5 proposes Peirce-style coordination as a cure for science’s poly-crisis: organizing research around community-supported programs rather than leaving scientists to pursue isolated, short-lived projects. Such coordination involves consensus formation on research priorities, alignment of methods and standards, and shared governance of program goals. Crucially, Peirce-style coordination does not require large consortia or Big Team Science; it can be implemented through flexible structures that preserve diversity and autonomy while promoting coherence. Historical and contemporary examples demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. While concerns about cost, academic freedom, diversity, and conservatism remain, program-level coordination offers a structural alternative to competitive individualism. By enabling cumulative progress rather than fragmented innovation, Peirce-style coordination can help restore science’s credibility and produce knowledge that is both robust and socially responsive. |
| Page range | pp. 95–122 |
| Print length | 28 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
Krist Vaesen is an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Innovation at Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands) and serves as director and co‑founder of META/e—the Eindhoven Meta‑science Center. This interdisciplinary center focuses on the scientific study of science itself, with expertise in areas such as Open Science, reproducibility, team science, and the role of AI in research. 'Neomania' owes much to the many insightful conversations with members of META/e.