The Power of the Metaphysical Artifact: Controversies on Philosophy, Politics, and Science in Nineteenth-Century France and Mexico

French and Mexican intellectuals sought to educate better citizens in response to social crises, leading to political and philosophical controversies regarding science and technology. These controversies involved spiritualists and positivists, with power and knowledge intertwined. The book argues that these controversies can be seen as a dispute between two cultures, with those in favor of science and technology and those in favor of philosophy and the humanities. Philosophy, science, and technology must interact to enrich the political potential of the human experience of thinking, conceptualizing the power of a metaphysical artifact in which they belong to the same culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In the nineteenth century, French and Mexican intellectuals shared a common goal of creating a foundation for educating better citizens in response to social crises. This period was marked by political and philosophical debates surrounding science and technology, with spiritualists (humanists) and positivists (scientists) engaging in intense discussions. At the heart of these debates was the intertwining of power and knowledge, with each side vying for dominance. The book aims to demonstrate that these controversies can be viewed as a clash between two cultures, one advocating for science and technology and the other for philosophy and the humanities. Through their ongoing arguments, they forged a third culture that integrated power and knowledge, creating a unique perspective on the political potential of human thinking. This integration involved a subtle interplay between philosophy, science, and technology, recognizing their shared roots within a single culture. It also emphasized the role of politics in fostering dialogue among diverse cultural, religious, and political perspectives. By embracing this mix or synthesis, they sought to conceptualize the power of metaphysical artifacts, where philosophy, science, and technology coexist within the same cultural framework, allowing for meaningful interactions and enriching the political landscape.

ISBN-13: 9781793654434