The Utopia of Unified Science: The Political Struggle of Otto Neurath and the Vienna Circle

Vol 17, No 2 (2013) • Principia: an international journal of epistemology

Autor: Ivan Ferreira da Cunha

Abstract:

Neurath’s approach to the problem of the unity of science is different from conceptions we may call traditional, to know, those that consider that what unites in one single concept the diverse sciences is the adoption of a method, or those that defend that this is carried through by certain characteristics which can be found in the body of knowledge considered scientific. Neurath’s stance also diverges from the standpoint that there is no unifying factor for science, that is, the view that the different sciences are only classified under such concept because of the historical origin of such activities. Neurath’s proposal is to consider science as an attitude, a posture in relation to the problems of the world, the scientific world-conception. This text presents such approach in connection to the aspect of social transformation that can be found in Neurath’s thought. This is done following a comprehension of the ideas of the Vienna Circle, seeking to understand a continuity among the ideas of the members of such group, especially Neurath and Carnap. The present text aims, as well, at recovering the Neurathian idea that we can use a philosophical approach to science to struggle against the problems of the world.

 

ISSN: 1414-4217

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1808-1711.2013v17n2p319

Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/principia/article/view/1808-1711.2013v17n2p319/26445

Palavras-Chave: Unity of science,Neurath,Vienna Circle,philos

Principia: an international journal of epistemology

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"Principia: an international journal of epistemology" was founded in 1997 and regularly publishes articles, discussions and review. The journal aims to publish original scholarly work especially in epistemology area , with an emphasis on material of general interest to academic philosophers. Originally published only in print version (ISSN: 1414-4247), in 2005 the journal began to be published also in online version (ISSN: 1808-1711). Since 1999 are published three issues per year: in April, August and December. Qualis CAPES: A2