Part One
What Science Presupposes
Introduction
“No matter how hard the philosopher tries to discover the laws of nature, no philosopher can ever do so for the simple reason that, if he succeeds, people will call him a scientist.”
This is not a science book, but a book about science.
Kemeny’s basic purpose is to present a unified picture of Science.
“Perhaps what we have learned so far is really very little. But when we consider that the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, the attempt to answer these fundamental questions has been one of the greatest driving forces for all intellectual pursuits, then it is comforting to note that in all probability the questions, or at least some of them, will forever remain unanswered.”
This is not a science book, but a book about science.
Kemeny’s basic purpose is to present a unified picture of Science.
“Perhaps what we have learned so far is really very little. But when we consider that the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, the attempt to answer these fundamental questions has been one of the greatest driving forces for all intellectual pursuits, then it is comforting to note that in all probability the questions, or at least some of them, will forever remain unanswered.”
Chapter 1: Language
“If we had no language by means of which to convey our thoughts and store our knowledge, we would be little different from the lower animals… and we would have no misunderstandings.”
Problems with language
1. Vagueness
2. Words mean too much
3. Words arouse emotions
The language of Science is Mathematics.
- Two great advantages:
1) Wide applicability within Science;
2) It frees Math from emotional overtones.
In this book, the word “Science” is used for referring any field like Physics or Chemistry.
Problems with language
1. Vagueness
2. Words mean too much
3. Words arouse emotions
The language of Science is Mathematics.
- Two great advantages:
1) Wide applicability within Science;
2) It frees Math from emotional overtones.
In this book, the word “Science” is used for referring any field like Physics or Chemistry.
Chapter 2: Mathematics
What is the relation between Mathematics and Logic? Logic deals with the form of propositions and arguments.
“To sum up: Mathematics is invaluable for Science because, by showing us an endless number of statements which are contained in our theories, it gives us an infinity of ways of testing our theories.”
“Propositions from pure mathematics are analytic a priori, whereas applied mathematical propositions belong to Science, and thus are synthetic a posteriori.”
“To sum up: Mathematics is invaluable for Science because, by showing us an endless number of statements which are contained in our theories, it gives us an infinity of ways of testing our theories.”
“Propositions from pure mathematics are analytic a priori, whereas applied mathematical propositions belong to Science, and thus are synthetic a posteriori.”