Science, Faith, and Society
96 pages
|
© 1959, 1964
In its concern with science as an essentially human enterprise, Science, Faith and Society makes an original and challenging contribution to the philosophy of science. On its appearance in 1946 the book quickly became the focus of controversy.
Polanyi aims to show that science must be understood as a community of inquirers held together by a common faith; science, he argues, is not the use of "scientific method" but rather consists in a discipline imposed by scientists on themselves in the interests of discovering an objective, impersonal truth. That such truth exists and can be found is part of the scientists' faith. Polanyi maintains that both authoritarianism and scepticism, attacking this faith, are attacking science itself.
Polanyi aims to show that science must be understood as a community of inquirers held together by a common faith; science, he argues, is not the use of "scientific method" but rather consists in a discipline imposed by scientists on themselves in the interests of discovering an objective, impersonal truth. That such truth exists and can be found is part of the scientists' faith. Polanyi maintains that both authoritarianism and scepticism, attacking this faith, are attacking science itself.
Contents
Background and Prospect
I. Science and Reality
II. Authority and Conscience
III. Dedication or Servitude
Appendix
1. Premisses of Science
2. Significance of New Observations
3. Correspondence with Observation
I. Science and Reality
II. Authority and Conscience
III. Dedication or Servitude
Appendix
1. Premisses of Science
2. Significance of New Observations
3. Correspondence with Observation
For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu
Google preview here
Philosophy: General Philosophy
You may purchase this title at these fine bookstores. Outside the USA, see our international sales information.
