Paolo Depaoli
University of Urbino
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Given the ongoing debate on the explicit and implicit foundations of theories and methods within the IS discipline, the research undertaken concerns those cirumstances that tend to favour a close relationship between IS researchers and philosophers. The question addressed is whether referencs to philosophy are made particularly when a researcher is confronted by issues and topics that he considers crucial and which he believes inappropriately treated or neglected by current theories; the "escalation to philosophy" is thus made searching for alternative views able to support critical evaluations and to ground findings. To answer this question the influence of Heidegger on Ciborra's work is explored. The method adopted is the review of relevant literature considering Ciborra's publications and his references to Heidegger; meaningful issues were identified and specific quotations of both authors compared. The results show thata Heridegger's influence has been substantial in terms of support for both critical analysis and innovative solutions. Further research is needed to extend the study to other cases and to identify IS themes responsive to philosophical inquiry.