A galilean theory of rationality : Maurice Finocchiaro's interpretation
Vol.63,No.2(2016)
Abstract
Keywords:
Maurice Finocchiaro; Galileo Galilei; scientific rationality
Pages:
27–37
The last four centuries have seen unceasing interest in the studies of Galileo's scientific method. In 1980, Maurice Finocchiaro presented an unusual interpretation of Galileo as a logician and formulated a new theory of rationality based on a detailed analysis of Galileo's Dialogue. The paper gives a brief overview of the macroscopic features forming the galilean rationality suggested by Finocchiaro. The first part deals with the so-called dialectical methodology consisting of balancing decisions between different (even opposed) approaches toward the scientific problems. The second part is concerned with the most important part of the galilean rationality, i.e. the logical reasoning. The third part presents the indispensable role of nonlogical features in the scientific communication.
Maurice Finocchiaro; Galileo Galilei; scientific rationality
27–37