Natural Philosophy: On Retrieving a Lost Disciplinary Imaginary

This book argues for the retrieval of natural philosophy, a concept that faded into comparative obscurity as individual scientific disciplines became established and institutionalized. It proposes a re-imagined natural philosophy that encourages human attentiveness and respectfulness towards nature, while enfolding the desire to understand and preserve the affective, imaginative, and aesthetic aspects of the human response to nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This book makes a compelling case for the revival of natural philosophy, a concept that gradually lost its prominence as distinct scientific disciplines emerged and gained institutionalization. In the early modern era, natural philosophy was regarded as a holistic approach to understanding the human relationship with the natural world. It encompassed a wide range of disciplines, including the natural sciences, mathematics, music, philosophy, and theology. The first part of the book engages in a critical dialogue with this tradition, identifying the fundamental characteristics of natural philosophy, particularly its emphasis on both learning from and learning about nature.

After examining the factors that contributed to the decline of natural philosophy in the 19th century, the second part of the book presents a compelling argument for its retrieval. It draws upon Karl Popper's Three Worlds theory and Mary Midgley's notion of using multiple maps to bring together the diverse aspects of the human encounter with the natural world. This reimagined natural philosophy aims to foster both human attentiveness and respect for nature, while simultaneously embracing the desire to understand the natural world and the importance of preserving the emotional, imaginative, and aesthetic aspects of the human response to nature.

By reclaiming natural philosophy, we can reconnect with our innate curiosity and awe for the natural world. It can inspire us to explore the mysteries of the universe, question our assumptions, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. Moreover, natural philosophy can provide a valuable framework for addressing contemporary environmental and social challenges, as it encourages us to approach these issues with a holistic and sustainable perspective.

In conclusion, this book offers a compelling vision for the revival of natural philosophy in the modern world. By embracing its rich heritage and integrating it with contemporary insights, we can create a more informed and responsible relationship with the natural world.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192865731