Unity and diversity in science

Joseph Agassi

pp. 463-522

in: Robert S. Cohen, Mark W. Wartofsky (eds), Proceedings of the Boston colloquium for the philosophy of science 1966/1968, Berlin, Springer, 1969

Abstract

The idea of the unity of science is the historically very important idea of total rationality and objectivity.This idea is a Utopian dream, and a rather dangerous one.The Popperian view of rationality as a goal directed, i.e., as problem-solving, method of trial and error is a better view or rationality .Solutions to problems offer the element of unification, and their criticisms offer the element of diversification.

Cited authors

Popper Karl