-------- Original-Nachricht -------- Betreff: [AISWorld] Invitation to SIGPhilosophy (Special Interest Group on Philosophy and Epistemology of Information Systems) Datum: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:10:24 -0500 Von: Nik R. Hassan nhassan@d.umn.edu An: AISWorld aisworld@lists.aisnet.org

*Invitation to SIGPhilosophy (Special Interest Group on Philosophy and Epistemology of Information Systems)*

There is a need for a focal point for the debate on philosophical issues in IS research. So far, this work was dispersed over various conferences and journals, efforts by IFIP 8.1, 8.2 and AISWorld webpages on research. Although the SIGPhilosophy was established in 2002 during ICIS at Barcelona to provide this focal point, it has a long way to go in gathering the brightest minds in IS towards accomplishing its original mission of improving IS research by drawing on philosophical literature, what more the ambitious goal of strengthening the IS field's ties with other disciplines.

As Dilthey reminds us, the ancient Greeks had once remarked that philosophy is not wisdom, it's the love of wisdom. This quest of truth for its own sake is possible only when one travels outside one's area of expertise, to see the world (/theo-rie-s heineken/) from a certain distance in order to gain that universal wisdom or theoretical knowledge (/Herodotus/). The anthropologist James Clifford once wrote: "Theory is a product of displacement, comparison, a certain distance. To theorize, one leaves home." The SIGPhilosophy provides for such a space, and seeks to develop the community of kindred spirits who share their insights in reviving the critical consciousness that never accepts anything as given, who wish to join the endeavor towards valid knowledge and embrace infinite possibilities.

I'd like to invite every AIS member to join and contribute to the SIGPhilosophy (https://m360.aisnet.org/frontend/forms/ViewForm.aspx?id=12423), to subscribe to the SIGPhilosophy Listserve (http://www.aisnet.org/ais_lists/memberslists.aspx) and be part of the future of the IS field.

The SIGPhilosophy is working on: 1. Starting a discussion on the SIGPhilosophy listserve on the organization and running of the SIG 2. Migrating its website to a wiki site that every member can contribute to 3. Plan for a first meeting at both AMCIS 2010 and ICIS 2010 to discuss future plans

Nik R. Hassan nhassan@d.umn.edu Moderator, SIGPhilosophy Listserve