A model of scientific knowledge inspired by Deleuze and Guattari: knowledge as a rhizome—a sprawling, horizontal network with no center, no hierarchy, no single root. Unlike tree-like knowledge that branches from fundamental principles downward, rhizomatic science connects in any direction: neuroscience links to phenomenology links to Buddhist meditation links to computational modeling. Connections are made where useful, not where dictated by disciplinary hierarchy. The rhizome grows in all directions, with no beginning or end, just ongoing connection and transformation. It's science that refuses to stay in its lane.
"Your department is organized by disciplines with clear boundaries. But my research on consciousness connects neurology, philosophy, meditation practice, and AI. It's a Scientific Rhizome—it doesn't fit your tree, and it's not supposed to. Deal with it."
by Abzugal February 23, 2026
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