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Science and Anti-Science

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_Science and Anti-Science_ (1993, Harvard) by physicist and sociologist Gerald Holton is an interesting consideration of the role of science in the modern world and the opposition to science that he sees in the rise of "anti-science". Holton argues for a viewpoint based on the Enlightenment understanding with its emphasis on human reason and the scientific method. Holton traces the role of modern science in the formation of the philosophy of positivism in the thinking of many scientists and philosophers. From this Holton goes on to explore various ideas in the writings of Ernst Mach and Albert Einstein, two important contributors to modern mechanics and physics. Holton also considers the nature of rhetoric in the development of quantum mechanics and relativity theory. Thomas Jefferson who proposed a libertarian understanding of society and the role of science plays an important part in Holton's understanding of the nature of science and Holton sees him as offering an important program for science. Holton then considers various claims regarding the end of science including those made by Oswald Spengler and others. Finally, Holton considers the role of anti-science contrasting various positions that may be taken with regard to science and arguing for science against anti-science.

The book includes the following chapters -

Ernst Mach and the Fortunes of Positivisim - explains the role of Ernst Mach as a primary thinker behind the philosophy of positivism. Considers Mach's vigorous empiricism and pragmatism (relating Mach to other pragmatists such as C. S. Peirce) and examines Mach's contributions to mechanics. Examines the importace of Mach's thinking as a foundation for the philosophy of science based on empirical methods. Considers the thinking of such individuals and philosophers as Paul Carus, William James, Jacques Loeb, B. F. Skinner, and Philipp Frank explaining their understanding of empiricism and the philosophy of science as well as the development of pragmatism and psychology. Explains further the fruits of Mach's understanding as well as providing a biographical sketch of Mach and noting the role of the Vienna Circle as well as such thinkers as Rudolph Carnap, W. V. Quine, Niels Bohr, Karl Popper, and others who advocated the positivist philosophy which served as a framework for modern science.

More on Mach and Einstein - considers further the relationship between Mach and Einstein as it concerned the foundations of physics. Notes that Mach early opposed the relativity theory. Explains some of the mathematics behind the relativity theory and notes the importance of Einstein's understanding of science.

Quanta, Relativity, and Rhetoric - maintains that rhetoric played a role in science and in particular in the foundations f physics and the relativity theory as well as quantum physics. Notes the importance of experiment and the "Gedanken experiment". Notes the prominent role of Niels Bohr and Einstein in the foundations of physics.

On the Jeffersonian Research Program - considers the libertarian theories of Thomas Jefferson and notes the importance emphasis that he placed on science and in particular the study of the natural world and the role of discovery. Explains the role of encyclopedias, the study and cataloguing of Indian languages, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Jeffersonian research project. Notes how a prominent role for science plays an important part in the Jeffersonian vision of society.

The Controversy over the End of Science - notes the current fashion of maintaining that science has an "end" or has come to an end. Examines several perspectives on this question including the ideas of Mach who saw science as evolving in a linear direction and importantly the thinking of Oswald Spengler. Spengler was to propose a "cyclicist" view of history and in light of this considered the development of science as a product of Western culture. Spengler was to consider "Faustian civilization" in contrast to "Dionysian" works. He argued that while science was a product of Western Caucasian civilization, that eventually other races would take up science and overcome the West which was in decline. Considers the theories of Einstein with regard to science and notes the role of "Einstein's God". Explains Einstein's linearist views of science.

The Anti-Science Phenomenon - considers the role of an emerging anti-science and anti-modern movement. Contrasts various perspectives on science and anti-science including real science, pseudo-science, superstition, and scientism (such as the unlimited dreams of technocrats as expressed in the Star Wars program). Considers the role of irrationalism and the prominence this came to take on for the ancient Greeks. Examines the issue of magic and folk belief. Considers various perspectives on science including the re-enchantment of the world and the view that science is usurping God's throne. Defines modernity and shows those who oppose its basic principles. Notes the deplorable state of science and mathematics education in modern America and argues for science. Provides an argument for the furtherance of science against anti-science.

This book offers an interesting reflection on the philosophy of science and the role of science and society. I felt that it was particularly interesting in its consideration of Spengler's views.

Written in the era of the postmodernist attack on science, and one of the few books in English (?) that discusses Spengler's 'Decline of the West'. Noteworthy for that alone, if you're one of the few who's read at least some chapters of Spengler. I found the discussion of Mach's Principle in the context of 'holism' to be scientifically enlightening and useful. It's good to learn to distinguish the relativity principle from 'relativism'. Mach had no idea of the difference.