Original Research

Presuppositions and the challenge to objectivity in late-modern philosophy of science: causes and possible remedies

R. Coletto
Koers - Bulletin for Christian Scholarship/Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap | Vol 72, No 4 | a216 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/koers.v72i4.216 | © 2007 R. Coletto | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 July 2007 | Published: 27 July 2007

About the author(s)

R. Coletto, School of Philosophy, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, South Africa

Full Text:

PDF (92KB)

Abstract

The history of late-modern philosophy of science introduces us to a growing emphasis on presuppositions accompanied by a growing relativistic attitude concerning the possibility of scientific objectivity. Aspects of the latter historical developments are traced in some of the most important philosophers of science of the 20th century. An analysis of the possible causes of the phenomenon is also provided. The predominance of the freedom- pole of the humanist ground motive requires a conception of science in which the creative presuppositions of the knowing agent play an increasingly crucial role. Two “remedies” for a more balanced understanding of the role of presuppositions are indicated. The first one has to do with the recognition of a broad variety of ideological standpoints, stemming from different religious commitments. The second one recommends the recognition of the universal order for reality, which implies two consequences. First, our presuppositions do not have the power of determining our scientific observations of reality completely. Second, scientific research does not proceed only according to our presuppositional frameworks but follows a structural order. A few reflections on the nature of scientific objectivity conclude the article.

Keywords

Humanist Philosophy; Ground Motive; Philosophy Of Science; Presuppositions; Relativism; Scientific Objectivity

Metrics

Total abstract views: 1144
Total article views: 1618

Reader Comments

Before posting a comment, read our privacy policy.

Post a comment (login required)

Crossref Citations

No related citations found.