Halewood, M (2011) 'Science, Concepts, and the Social Environment.' Theory of Science, 33 (1). pp. 21-42. ISSN 1210-0250

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

This paper will suggest that the work Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) provides a fruitful resource for understanding the philosophical development and validity of scientific concepts through an analysis of their socio-historical location. The paper will address two key elements of Whitehead?s thought. One element is "The Bifurcation of Nature" and the paper traces the influence that this conceptual compromise has had on philosophy and science through its reinforcement of the division between the natural and the social sciences. The second element is the status of abstraction in thought and existence. The article will outline Whitehead?s argument that it is necessary to pay attention to the social environment which both enables and inhibits thought if historical epistemology is to develop novel yet analytically strong concepts.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology, Department of
SWORD Depositor:	Elements
Depositing User:	Elements
Date Deposited:	16 Jan 2013 12:08
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2022 13:28
URI:	http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/5096

Actions (login required)

View Item