The Absence Of Philosophy From Science

[scameter]

To me, i love science, and how it allows us to elaborate on the things we see in existence mathematically. but, sometimes unfortunately the other bodies of knowledge in the world, such as philosophy, religion, mythology, and history, are greatly overlooked, which to me is foolish in the sense that it limits scientists study material to just that of science and math, and not to some of the other academics that could allow them to discover even more than they do about things and quicker, possibly.

[Thomas Knierim]

A bit more than a century ago, the European academic ideal was that of the "Universalgelehrter" (universal scholar), one who has studied philosophy, arts, and sciences. There are many examples of such universal scholars, Voltaire, Goethe, Leibniz, Pascal, just to name a few. But, science has exploded in the 20th century. In fact, all fields of knowledge have exploded. It is now barely possible for anyone to be knowledgeable in the entire field of medicine. What can we do? The capacity of the human mind is limited.

The German education system makes efforts to uphold the ideal of universality or "Allgemeinbildung". High schools permit some degree of specialisation by allowing students to elect intensive courses in their favorite subjects, but it is not possible to drop mathematics, science or arts from the curriculum altogether. Real specialisation starts only at the university level. But even there the first four semesters are designed to give students a broad overview of the subject. Furthermore, a minor subject and (in most cases) math courses are compulsory at German universities. Obviously, the intention is to prevent people from becoming nerds, though success is not always guaranteed. :D

How about your country?

Cheers, Thomas

[scameter]

Well, if you think Germany is the science capitol, you haven't seen America. here, everything is centered on logic, math, and science, which i hate becuase now all subjects, even ones that should have nothing to do with logic such as philosophy and religion, have been given logic augmentations which to me make them not themselves anymore. but, if there was a degree here called something like, i don't know, Renaissance Degree, where one could study everything academic he/she wanted to, then i would take it. but, one really can't be that broad anymore, which to me limits all subjects, especially science and math.is allthey seem to want are drones who are purely technological and economical.

[Thomas Knierim]

scameter: Well, if you think Germany is the science capitol, you haven't seen America.

I don't think that Germany is the science capital, but the German education system tried to maintain the directive of universal education. I am not sure if this was successful, given the recent explosion of knowledge and the spawning of so many new fields of research.

scameter: here, everything is centered on logic, math, and science, which i hate becuase now all subjects, even ones that should have nothing to do with logic such as philosophy and religion, have been given logic augmentations which to me make them not themselves anymore.

What about logic? Isn't logic one of the classical fields of philosophy? Aristotelian logic, Boolean logic, set theory, predicate logic, first and second order logic, multivalued logics, propositional calculus, modal logic, informal logic, etc. seem to important to the study of philosophy if only for being able to create consistent arguments.

scameter: if there was a degree here called something like, i don't know, Renaissance Degree, where one could study everything academic he/she wanted to, then i would take it. but, one really can't be that broad anymore

That is unfortunately true. Universities don't offer anything like that. They seem to think it's the job of the secondary education level to give students a general education. As an adult one would probably have to resort to evening school for that purpose.

scameter: ...especially science and math.is allthey seem to want are drones who are purely technological and economical.

But then there are states like Kansas which insist on teaching students "alternative Christian theories" to evolution. :uhoh:

Cheers, Thomas

[scameter]

Thomas:What about logic? Isn't logic one of the classical fields of philosophy? Aristotelian logic, Boolean logic, set theory, predicate logic, first and second order logic, multivalued logics, propositional calculus, modal logic, informal logic, etc. seem to important to the study of philosophy if only for being able to create consistent arguments.

yes, but is what i meant was is that here logic is the primary and sometime sole method of learning. i have no doubt that logic is important to learning and philosophy, but it should not cause the debasement of the other methods, such as creativity, artistry, and opinionated discussion.

[mctonale]

philosophy

Science is proving theorys. Not exploring concepts.

religion, mythology

Again proof.

history,

History plays a major part in science.
Without the proven we can not prove.

[scameter]

proof has been overexaggerated. it should not be the only method of analysis used.

[mctonale]

Maybe there is philosphpy in science.....................

IF.

[scameter]

i don't think there is, or at least not much of it, mctonale, unfortunately. but, i do think there is some, or alot of, science in philosophy.