Joseph Agassi (1927–2023)

Agassi in this book gives a thorough account of the development of science and its philosophical implications, keeping in mind that we need positive evidence to corroborate theories in general, but discussing such an evidence in a dialectical manner. Agassi refers to Sir Karl Popper, his teacher, and his theory of falsification and refutability, stating that each good theory has to prove its refutability to be a good one, and by that excluding all attempts to theoretical dogmatism. Agassi in this light also discusses the interrelations of science and metaphysics in a general sense, thereby not condemning metaphysics, but trying to establish a new way of observing scientific theories and their nature, claiming that they have legitimate roots in traditional metaphysics. Agassi observes not only a confusion between physics and metaphysics, but also a confusion between science and technology, which have accompanied the scientific development in the 20th century. And as an advocate for pluralistic developments he regards the dialectic between the drive for unitary systems and the will for a diversity of opinions within science as fundamental for the future development of science.… (meer)