Unity of Science

The unity of science was a popular idea until it was associated with reductionism and multiple realizability. Pluralism and the disunity of science are the new norm, and higher-level natural kinds and special science laws are important. Tuomas Tahko examines these questions from a contemporary perspective and suggests that there is still value in the idea of a unity of science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The concept of unity of science, once cherished by philosophers and scientists alike, has witnessed a decline in popularity over time. This decline can be attributed to its association with reductionism and the emergence of multiple realizations. Pluralism and the disunity of science have become the prevailing norms in the scientific community, and higher-level natural kinds and special science laws are increasingly recognized as crucial components of scientific practice.

One of the central challenges posed by multiple realizability is the question of reductionism. Reductionism seeks to explain complex phenomena by reducing them to simpler or more fundamental components. However, the extent to which one phenomenon can be reduced to another is a matter of debate. Multiple realizability suggests that different aspects of a phenomenon can be realized in different ways, leading to different explanations.

Determining which kinds are natural is another critical aspect of the reductionist endeavor. Natural kinds are categories of entities that are assumed to exist independently of human perception or interpretation. They are typically defined based on their properties, such as shape, size, or behavior. The question of whether certain kinds are natural or artificial is a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that they are inherent to the natural world and others suggesting that they are created by human social and cultural processes.

The ontological basis of unity is another key question that arises in the context of reductionism and multiple realizability. Unity of science refers to the idea that there is a single, coherent, and universal scientific explanation of the natural world. However, the nature of this unity is a subject of debate. Some argue that it can be achieved through a form of monism, which posits that everything in the universe is ultimately reducible to a single fundamental entity. Others argue that unity can be achieved through pluralism, which recognizes that different aspects of the natural world can be explained through different scientific theories or paradigms.

In this Element, Tuomas Tahko examines these questions from a contemporary perspective, providing a historical overview of the development of the unity of science concept. The upshot of his analysis is that there is still value in the idea of a unity of science. It is possible to combine a modest sense of unity with pluralism and give an ontological analysis of unity in terms of natural kind monism. This approach recognizes that different aspects of the natural world can be explained through different scientific theories or paradigms, while still maintaining a sense of coherence and unity within the scientific community.

The concept of unity of science remains a topic of ongoing debate and exploration in the scientific community. While it may face challenges from multiple realizability and pluralism, there is still value in striving for a deeper understanding of the natural world and the underlying principles that govern it. By exploring these questions from a contemporary perspective, we can continue to advance our knowledge and understanding of the world around us.

The concept of unity of science, once cherished by philosophers and scientists alike

alike, has witnessed a decline in popularity over time.

This decline can be attributed to its association with reductionism and the emergence of multiple realizations.

Pluralism and the disunity of science have become the prevailing norms in the scientific community, and higher-level natural kinds and special science laws are increasingly recognized as crucial components of scientific practice.

One of the central challenges posed by multiple realizability is the question of reductionism.

Reductionism seeks to explain complex phenomena by reducing them to simpler or more fundamental components.

However, the extent to which one phenomenon can be reduced to another is a matter of debate.

Multiple realizability suggests that different aspects of a phenomenon can be realized in different ways, leading to different explanations.

Determining which kinds are natural is another critical aspect of the reductionist endeavor.

Natural kinds are categories of entities that are assumed to exist independently of human perception or interpretation.

They are typically defined based on their properties, such as shape, size, or behavior.

The question of whether certain kinds are natural or artificial is a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that they are inherent to the natural world and others suggesting that they are created by human social and cultural processes.

The ontological basis of unity is another key question that arises

that arises in the context of reductionism and multiple realizability.

Unity of science refers to the idea that there is a single, coherent, and universal scientific explanation of the natural world.

However, the nature of this unity is a subject of debate.

Some argue that it can be achieved through a form of monism, which posits that everything in the universe is ultimately reducible to a single fundamental entity.

Others argue that unity can be achieved through pluralism, which recognizes that different aspects of the natural world can be explained through different scientific theories or paradigms.

In this Element, Tuomas Tahko examines these questions from a contemporary perspective, providing a historical overview of the development of the unity of science concept.

The upshot of his analysis is that there is still value in the idea of a unity of science.

It is possible to combine a modest sense of unity with pluralism and give an ontological analysis of unity in terms of natural kind monism.

This approach recognizes that different aspects of the natural world can be explained through different scientific theories or paradigms, while still maintaining a sense of coherence and unity within the scientific community.

The concept of unity of science remains a topic of ongoing debate and exploration in the scientific community.

While it may face challenges from multiple realizability and pluralism, there is still value in striving for a deeper understanding of the natural world and the underlying principles that govern it.

By exploring these questions from a contemporary perspective, we can continue to advance our knowledge and understanding of the world around us.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108713382