more from Brian Ellis

Single Idea 5479

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 1. Possibility]

Full Idea

Scientific essentialists hold that one of the primary aims of science is to define the limits of the possible.

Gist of Idea

Scientific essentialists say science should define the limits of the possible

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.115


A Reaction

I'm not sure working scientists will go along with that, but I like the claim that philosophy is very much part of the same enterprise as practical science (and NOT subservient to it!). I think of metaphysics as very high level physics.