Epistemology, Scientific Theories, and the Role of Technology
Philosophy of Science and Epistemology
Philosophy and science initially shared the same fundamental goals: to know, understand, explain, and interpret the world and human existence. As science acquired its own distinct methods and goals, it gradually separated from philosophy.
The Philosophy of Science Defined
For philosophy, science itself is an object of study. The discipline that studies how scientific knowledge is produced is epistemology, now commonly known as the philosophy of science. Its core functions include:
- Removing the philosophical implications of major scientific theories.
- Analyzing the assumptions built into scientific work during each period and how they influence the prevailing scientific theory.
- Examining strictly scientific questions, defining concepts that distinguish scientific knowledge from other forms of knowledge, and analyzing the logic of research (i.e., how science reasons).
Key Epistemological Views on Scientific Knowledge
Different schools of thought define the nature of scientific knowledge:
Realism (or Descriptive View)
For this view, scientific descriptions are always approximate. The concepts and theories of science relate to objects that cannot be observed directly, but they do have a real existence outside the mind of the investigator.Reductionism
Argues that, to be valid, each theory and theoretical term must correspond with observable experience.Conventionalism
Theories are merely mental constructions that do not correspond with reality, but are valid as a scientific tool. A theory is considered true when the scientific community accepts it by consensus, based on its usefulness and comfort.Epistemological Anarchism
This position criticizes the rigidity of theories and the scientific community, arguing that such rigidity impedes scientific progress. It posits that science can progress through some irrationality or subjectivities. Absolute certainty is not possible, and scientific explanation is only provisional, approximate, and variable. In many cases, phenomena are unpredictable.Technology, Transformation, and Causality
The Human Drive to Transform Reality
The human drive is not only to know reality but also to transform, control, and use it for our own purposes. Therefore, even before the existence of formal philosophy or science, humanity utilized self-produced tools, materials, and practical knowledge to leverage natural resources.
The term technique refers both to the human ability to produce artificial instruments and to the exercise of certain activities that follow specific rules and a prior plan. Rational action is uniquely human; animals also construct, but they do not plan or understand the 'how' or 'why.'
The Relationship Between Technology and Science
Humanity has evolved alongside technical progress, from the simplest tools and skills to the complex instruments and knowledge of today. The historical relationship between technique and science has shifted significantly:
- The earliest humans focused mainly on survival.
- In ancient Greece, philosophers classified different types of knowledge. For Aristotle, technique was considered a step below philosophy and science, which were deemed more complex and fundamental to human beings. Technical and scientific knowledge remained largely separate.
- Since the Renaissance, the relationship narrowed as technology became a fundamental tool for scientific research.
- From the nineteenth century onward, the relationship reversed: science was put at the service of technique, giving rise to what is now called technology.