Why Did the World Move from Philosophy to the Scientific Method?
It is a common belief that the scientific method has gradually replaced metaphysics as the dominant framework for understanding the universe. However, the relationship between these two forms of intellectual inquiry is more intricate than a simple substitution. Science and metaphysics belong to different categories of epistemology—natural and empirical inquiries versus trans-scientific questions of existence and reality, respectively.
Metaphysics: The Forgotten Branch of Philosophy
Metaphysics, once a significant branch of philosophy, encompassed the study of cosmology and ontology. Cosmology dealt with questions of cosmic scale: "How big is the universe? How old is the universe?" Whereas ontology was concerned with the nature of existence and reality: "Is everything made of earth, water, air, and fire, or are atoms the building blocks of the universe?" At a time when science seemed to be too theoretical and impractical to answer such questions, the transition began as astronomers and physicists started to make strides in understanding the cosmos and the fundamental nature of matter.
The Shift in Scientific Method and Its Impact on Metaphysics
Early pioneers in astronomy, such as the development of observational techniques like triangulation, and the discovery of Cepheid variables and the Hubble constant, marked the beginning of astronomy's ability to measure the size and age of the universe. Simultaneously, modern atomic theory and particle physics provided insights into the nature of matter, effectively moving cosmology and ontology into the realm of science. Consequently, metaphysics has largely been relegated to philosophical discourse and new applications, such as bookstores segregating metaphysics as a separate section for spiritualism and mysticism.
The Role of Metaphysics in the University Curriculum
John Henry Newman, in his lectures on the Idea of a University, highlights the dependency of natural science on metaphysical postulates. He argues that while Newton’s philosophy requires metaphysical underpinnings, these postulates are necessary for any consistent scientific inquiry. This dependence reflects the intertwining nature of metaphysics and natural science.
With the dawn of the 20th century, philosophers recognized that the role of metaphysics was changing. Thinkers like Bohr and Heisenberg did not need approval from philosophers to reshape our understanding of reality. Philosophers, such as Rudolf Carnap and W.V.O. Quine, led the charge in redefining metaphysics as a discipline. They argued that metaphysics should be abolished as a discipline that regulates science, advocating instead for a scientific approach to metaphysical questions.
The Evolution of Metaphysics and Ontology
Three key phases characterize the evolution of metaphysics. Newman advocated for its foundational role in natural philosophy, Carnap and Quine championed its abolition, and philosophers like J.L. Mackie sought to integrate scientific insights into their metaphysical frameworks. This three-phase evolution demonstrates the dynamic and evolving nature of metaphysics and ontology in the modern era.
Despite these changes, many scientists are not fully acquainted with the most recent developments in metaphysics. They often find themselves making pronouncements about the discipline without a thorough understanding of its contemporary practices. This is not merely a limitation of scientific knowledge but also an underestimation of the complexity of metaphysical inquiries.
Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the topic, Roger Trigg's work, "Beyond Matter," is an excellent resource. His book explores the complexities of metaphysics and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, making it accessible to both philosophers and scientists.