The dynamics of science

Friedrich Rapp

pp. 263-274

in: Dimitri Ginev, Robert S. Cohen (eds), Issues and images in the philosophy of science, Berlin, Springer, 1997

Abstract

Objectively, there is only one world. But this world is subject to change and manifests itself in the most varied forms. This objective variety is perceived subjectively in many different ways by the epistemological subject. The point is which epochs, cultures, social groups, scientific disciplines and individuals perceive and intrepret this world, whether collectively or individually. For this reason it is sometimes said metaphorically that individual people and the different scientific disciplines — to keep to our examples — live in quite different worlds.