Prof. Dr. Michael Esfeld

Universität Lausanne, Schweiz

Descartes and Popper on modern science

Modern science – in particular modern physics – as conceived by Descartes is distinct from ancient science (theoria in the sense of contemplation) by its aim to contribute to improving human living conditions. This implies that objectivity has to be the hallmark of modern science. For instance, if one sets out to build air planes, one has to know the facts about gravitation as they exist in nature. In the first place, I will explain how contemporary physics, including notably quantum mechanics, respects the hallmark of objectivity. Drawing on Descartes, Popper and the current debate about scientific realism, I will then elaborate on three consequences of objectivity: (i) there is one science, which is the same for all humans; (ii) the scientific method is disciplined scepticism, since it is not possible to fully abstract from the subject perspective, including the socio-cultural background; (iii) science meets a principled limit in everything subjective, that is, human consciousness, thought and action. Finally, I will explain how the success of modern science depends on respecting these criteria.