The Evolution of Modern Science and Its Philosophical Roots

The Evolution of Modern Science and Philosophy

The Emergence of Modern Science

Modern science emerged between the 15th and 17th centuries as philosophy began to acquire its own independent status. The first field of research to gain independence was astronomy, triggered by the Copernican Revolution, which proposed the substitution of the geocentric paradigm with a heliocentric one. Subsequently, Kepler challenged the notion of circularity in the movement of the sublunar world.

Galileo and the Experimental Method

Galileo Galilei utilized the telescope to consolidate this new model, famously stating "eppur si muove" (and yet it moves) despite opposition from the Inquisition and the scholastic mentality, which relied on revealed truth. Galileo is considered the father of the experimental method. As both an astronomer and a physicist, his studies on gravity paved the way for Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravitation in the 17th century.

Science, Technology, and the Industrial Revolution

The new experimental science progressed rapidly, becoming the primary reference for all knowledge. By applying experimental results to the invention of machines, science transformed the world of work, ultimately catalyzing the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.

Key Differences Between Science and Philosophy

Given the spectacular success of science, many question whether it has replaced philosophy. However, there are three fundamental differences:

• Scope: Philosophy seeks to understand reality as a whole, whereas science is fragmented into multiple specialized fields. To abandon philosophy is to abandon the fundamental question of what is real.
• Application: Philosophy is both theoretical and practical, concerning human action. In contrast, modern science often claims axiological neutrality, separating theory from practice.
• Purpose: Science produces technology, which is linked to utility, efficiency, and competitiveness. Philosophy questions the meaning of these values, placing them under the lens of happiness, justice, and human development.