A scholar's whole career should not be limited to one. Nor can all be done at once. Discovery includes the creation of knowledge, and publication. Thinking of the teaching context, Boyer emphasizes the process of discovery, and the passion that disciplines it. Integration means scholars must put knowledge into context, only then has it meaning.
Context is social and intellectual.
Here Boyer emphasizes vision bending over the horizon. He also invites attention to interpretations of experience by poets, dramatists, and performing artists. Application refers to scholarly engagement with the society. On the one hand, universities have preached community service without rewarding it. While on the other hand, too often lecturers assert that universities ought to reward any good work they do in the community.