Book | Chapter
Interpretation in the natural sciences
pp. 107-117
Abstract
The distinction between the natural sciences and the liberal arts is usually regarded as significant. Not only do they deal with ontologically distinct objects, but the ways they come to terms with these objects are very different. In philosophy of science there has been a focus on explanation, in contrast to interpretation, because providing explanation was thought to be a key issue in the natural sciences. Since Carl Hempel's seminal works on explanation, the world of philosophy has seen a growing body of literature devoted to explanation. The results have been prolific. Elsewhere I have argue in favour of a pragmatic-rhetorical theory of explanation, and it is in light of this theory that I suggest we can understand interpretation in the natural sciences (Faye 1999, 2007).
Publication details
Published in:
Surez Mauricio, Dorato Mauro, Rédei Miklós (2010) Epsa epistemology and methodology of science: launch of the European philosophy of science association. Dordrecht, Springer.
Pages: 107-117
DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-3263-8_9
Full citation:
Faye Jan (2010) „Interpretation in the natural sciences“, In: M. Surez, M. Dorato & M. Rédei (eds.), Epsa epistemology and methodology of science, Dordrecht, Springer, 107–117.