English

Science Under Attack

History and Philosophy of Physics 2020-01-29 v1

Abstract

Some attack scientific rationality, others defend it, but both miss the point. What both parties take to be scientific rationality is actually a species of irrationality masquerading as scientific rationality. The current orthodox conception of science, taken for granted by scientists and non-scientists alike, is irrational because it suppresses problematic assumptions, inherent in the aims of science, having to do with metaphysics, values, and political and social issues. We urgently need a more rigorous conception of science to be adopted and implemented that honestly acknowledges the problematic character of the aims of science, and seeks to improve them as science proceeds.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2001.10416,
  title  = {Science Under Attack},
  author = {Nicholas Maxwell},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2001.10416},
  year   = {2020}
}

Comments

5 pages. This paper argues that the conception of science taken for granted by the scientific community is irrational. We need a more rigorous conception - and kind - of science that is more honest about the problematic aims of science