Immanent philosophy of X. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hendry, Robin Findlay
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Volume 55(2016)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: History of science -- Philosophy of science -- Sociology of science; Science -- History -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2015.08.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3681

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper I examine the relationship between historians, philosophers and sociologists of science, and indeed scientists themselves. I argue that (i) they co-habit a shared intellectual territory (science and its past); and (ii) they should be able to do so peacefully, and with mutual respect, even if they disagree radically about how to describe the methods and results of science. I then go on to explore some of the challenges to mutually respectful cohabitation between history, philosophy and sociology of science. I conclude by identifying a familiar kind of project in the philosophy of science which seeks to explore the worldview of a particular scientific discipline, and argue that it too has a right to explore the shared territory even though some historians and sociologists may find it methodologically suspect. Highlights: In this paper I examine the relationship between historians, philosophers and sociologists of science, and indeed scientists themselves. I argue that they co-habit a shared intellectual territory science and its past and should be able to do so peacefully, and with mutual respect. I then go on to explore some of the challenges to mutually respectful cohabitation between history, philosophy and sociology of science.