Some issues regarding the completeness of science and the limits of scientific knowledge

Nicholas Rescher

pp. 19-40

in: Gérard Radnitzky, Gunnar Andersson (eds), The structure and development of science, Berlin, Springer, 1979

Abstract

The incompleteness of knowledge is a familiar conception, but nevertheless deserves closer scrutiny. A body of knowledge is incomplete when it is defective in point of comprehensiveness, self-sufficiency, and scope. In such a case, the body will have gaps, omissions, or such-like deficiencies in the inclusiveness of its "coverage". The whole is then lacking in mutual support — like a broken statue with missing pieces. Some parts of it will demand the operation of elements that are simply lacking, there is a collective inadequacy to the common task.