In the time of Galileo and Newton, what we now call “science” was known as “natural philosophy.” These days, science and philosophy have gone their separate ways — but perhaps a reconciliation could benefit both endeavours.
Natural philosophy as a concept — bringing together scientists and philosophers to sort of think on common projects — was both something we could do and something that needed to be done. It’s an unfortunate fact about the way that academia has evolved over the last 500 years, that these disciplines have grown apart — and they needn’t have. — Physicist Sean Carroll
Scientists and philosophers recently came together in Baltimore to talk about this idea — and I reported on it for ABC (Australia)’s radio program, The Philosopher’s Zone.
Listen to the radio feature on the show’s website (or subscribe to their podcast).
