Tracing the Trajectories of Knowledge: A Systematic Analysis of Knowledge Mobility Patterns in Scientific and Cultural Texts
Résumé
In this work, we operationalize spatial movement metaphors commonly used to describe
scientific discovery by systematically investigating knowledge mobility patterns. Utilizing
low-dimensional embedding techniques, we create a knowledge space composed of 1.5 million
articles from physics, computer science, and mathematics. Analyzing individual
researcher's textual contributions, our study uncovers striking patterns in knowledge mobility,
which resemble physical mobility. We find that individual trajectories collectively form 'mobility
flows.' These flows can be depicted via a gravity model, illustrating that knowledge leaps are
more probable within high-density areas and less likely across extended distances. Our study
also identifies a dichotomy of two primary categories of knowledge contributors: interdisciplinary ‘explorers', who lead in new domains, and 'exploiters', who focus on their areas of expertise. These findings offer new ways to represent knowledge evolution, contrasting with methods used in tracking trends in art historical data. Finally, we offer perspectives on how this approach can be applicable to texts that encapsulate broader cultural philosophies, including religious scriptures and wisdom traditions, exploring its applicability in representing collective trajectories in cultural evolution. In sum, this research contributes a robust and versatile analytical framework to the study of knowledge mobility and evolution.