WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
Novum organon renovatum / Being the second part of the philosophy of the inductive sciences cover

Novum organon renovatum / Being the second part of the philosophy of the inductive sciences

Open in WeRead

About This Book

The author critiques and seeks to update Francis Bacon's program for a universal method of scientific discovery, arguing that while no mechanical art can produce invention or genius, studying historical scientific progress reveals recurring methods and principles. He surveys advances across the physical sciences to extract practical procedures—forms of induction, classification, gradation, use of curves, means, least squares, and residues—and offers guidance on observation, hypothesis-testing, and the interplay of ideas and facts. He emphasizes that metaphysical clarification accompanies empirical work, that different sciences require different approaches, and that method can refine but not replace individual sagacity in discovery.

About the Author

Whewell, William portrait

William Whewell

William Whewell (1794-1866) was an English polymath known for his contributions to philosophy, science, and education. He served as a professor of moral philosophy at the University of Cambridge and was instrumental in the development of the philosophy of science. Whewell's notable works include "History of the Inductive Sciences," which traces the evolution of scientific thought, and "Astronomy and General Physics Considered with Reference to Natural Theology," where he explores the intersection of science and theology. His writings reflect a deep engagement with the scientific ideas of his time and have influenced subsequent philosophical discourse.

More Books by This Author

You May Also Like