Advances Brain Research and Neuroscience

Ontological and Epistemological Challenges in Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research: Towards an AI-Enhanced Framework for Academic Knowledge Production and Evaluation

Abstract

Richard Murdoch Montgomery

Contemporary academic research increasingly confronts complex global challenges that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, yet the ontological and epistemological frameworks underpinning scholarly knowledge production remain rooted in outdated paradigms. This manuscript presents a theoretical framework for addressing these challenges through artificial intelligence-enhanced peer review systems, whilst acknowledging both the speculative nature of such proposals and legitimate concerns about algorithmic governance in academia. We position this work as a critical engagement with techno-solutionist approaches, learning from historical failures in academic automation whilst proposing safeguards against potential negative consequences. Through critical realist analysis, engagement with AI critics, and examination of economic and legal implications, we develop a nuanced vision that balances transformative potential with realistic assessment of risks. Our framework addresses power distribution, economic equity, regulatory requirements, and the preservation of epistemological diversity. We conclude that whilst AI- enhanced evaluation systems offer promising possibilities, their implementation requires unprecedented attention to governance, equity, and the protection of academic values.

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