The Intelligibility of Nature — Peter Dear

A series of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from Peter Dear's lecture on the intelligibility of nature.

Dimensions of Science

Science has two dimensions: understanding nature (theoretical explanation) and controlling nature (practical application).

Understanding in Science

Understanding refers to theoretical explanation—explaining why natural phenomena occur.

Control in Science

Control refers to practical application—using knowledge to predict, manipulate, and intervene in nature.

Natural Philosophy

Natural philosophy seeks knowledge of nature for its own sake, aiming to understand the basic structure and order of the natural world, not utility.

Definition of Natural Philosophy for Quiz

Natural philosophy = explanation and understanding, not practical use.

Instrumentality

Instrumentality is concerned with using knowledge to predict, manipulate, and control natural processes.

Difference between Instrumentality and Natural Philosophy

Instrumentality focuses on how to make things happen, while natural philosophy focuses on why things happen.

Relationship of Natural Philosophy and Instrumentality in Modern Science

In modern science, theory and application are intertwined—theoretical understanding guides technology, and practical success reinforces theory.

Philosophy of Science

It examines how science works, how it should work, and what it tells us about reality.

Descriptive Theories of Science

Descriptive theories explain how science actually operates.

Normative Theories of Science

Normative theories explain how science ought to operate.

Metaphysical Theories

Metaphysical theories ask what the world is like and what kinds of things exist.

Epistemological Theories

Epistemology focuses on knowledge—how scientific knowledge is obtained and how reliable it is.

Scientific Revolution

Approximately 1550–1700.

Views of Nature before the Scientific Revolution

Earth was seen as the center of the universe, nature was purpose-driven, and matter was composed of the four elements.

Copernicus' Major Change in 1543

He proposed a heliocentric model where the earth orbits the sun.

Mechanical View of the World

The world is made of tiny corpuscles that interact through local physical contact.

Change in Science’s View of Purpose after the Scientific Revolution

Science no longer explained nature in terms of transcendent purposes, even if belief in God remained.

Causes of the Scientific Revolution

New instruments, mathematical techniques, and increased emphasis on experiment and observation.

Empiricism

The view that experience is the only source of knowledge.

Mathematical Approach to Science

Science aims to quantify phenomena and detect mathematical patterns in nature.

Social Structures in Science

Science is a communal activity involving cooperation and competition.

Science before the 17th Century

Science was natural philosophy, focused entirely on theoretical understanding.

Change in Science during the 17th and 18th Centuries

Science became more practical, aiming to intervene in nature for human benefit.

Natural Philosophers' View on Instrumentality

They see instrumentality as a consequence of theoretical truths.

Instrumentalists' View on Natural Philosophy

They believe theoretical truths are justified by their practical use.