Self-reference is a key principle in art and humor and it may also be a key component of the structured coherence in science Pedro and we are seeking.
Dear Joseph: Do not count me in to the "we", please. In my opinion, these "unity of science" principles are outdated. At issue is to specify how the sciences and specialties are different; in which respects and why? Obviously, the boundaries are fuzzy, since what may seem far distanced from one perspective can be nearby from another (e.g. in terms of the metrics used for the measurement such as in the case of biometrics and econometrics). These distinctions are not to be identified into a single "self" of the self-reference, but to be dissolved (differentiated) in discourse. They are carried by the communication in science & technology studies or more broadly (since including the science/society interface) in the information sciences. The "self" is not transcendental to these discourses, but reflexive insofar as one has the communicative competencies to listen and - if so wished -- to participate. The distinctions (such as the ones between your five schemes) may be useful heuristics. The puzzles have then to be specified. Best, Loet
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