Combining unmergeables: A methodological framework for axiomatic fusion of qualitative design theories

Imre Horvath*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articleScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
95 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The proposed methodological framework concerns axiomatic theory fusion (ATF) of non-additive engineering design theories. ATF includes seven steps: (i) semantic discretization of the composite theories, (ii) deriving epistemological entities by logical/semantic analysis, (iii) establishing and representation of relations among all relevant epistemological entities, (iv) combining the inter-theoretical epistemological entities of the component theories, (v) deriving propositions based on the combined set of epistemological entities, (vi) transcription of the epistemological entities and propositions into a textual/visual theory description, and (vii) validation of the resultant theory in application contexts. The proposed framework makes ATF an effective, content independent methodology for fusing component theories, no matter if they are descriptive, explanatory, predictive or controlling in nature. ATF methodology requires professional comprehension and rigor from the researchers. It is necessary to justify the logical correctness and practical validity of the target theory in the specific application context.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3591-3600
Number of pages10
JournalProceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Design, ICED
Volume2019-August
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event22nd International Conference on Engineering Design, ICED 2019 - Delft, Netherlands
Duration: 5 Aug 20198 Aug 2019

Keywords

  • Axiomatic theory fusion
  • Design theory
  • Postulates
  • Propositions
  • Research methodologies and methods
  • Systems Engineering (SE)

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