Hello everyone.Today, we’re going to talk about the relationship between science and philosophy.
Science and Philosophy
Rovelli sets out two models of education in ancient Athens: the model of Isocrates based around practical questions, and the model of Plato based around general questions. There are big issues here about what education is for.
Rovelli uses a reading of an early, reconstructed text by Aristotle, the Protrepticus, as a way of exploring these issues (you can read the text here).
First, we’ll go into breakout groups to check in, and to talk about the essay.
Writing Exercise
In the light of what you have read in the Rovelli piece, write for eight minutes in response to the question: what is education for?
Thinking Through the Protrepticus
Rovelli extracts four arguments from the Protrepticus that he thinks are worth reflecting on:
- General theory supports and happens to be useful for the development of practice.
- Those who deny the utility of philosophy, are doing philosophy.
- Philosophy provides guidance how research must be done.
- More in need of philosophy are the sciences “where perplexities are greater.”
In your groups, discuss the following questions:
- Which of these arguments from the Protrepticus are most convincing?
- Which are most relevant in the contemporary world?
- What are Rovelli’s main arguments?
- In the light of this paper, do you think philosophy needs science, and if so, why?
- In the light of this paper, do you think science needs philosophy, and if so why?
Homework
For next time, we’re going to be reading an essay on the sociology of science by Patricia Fara. I hope you enjoy it! As usual, respond on Canvas.