The theory of knowledge

‘How does a normally talented research scientist come to concern himself with the theory of knowledge? Is there not more valuable work to be done in his field? I hear this from many of my professional colleagues; or rather, I sense in the case of many more of them that this is what they feel’. ‘I cannot share this opinion. When I think of the ablest students whom I have encountered in teaching – e.e.? those who distinguished themselves by their independence of judgment, and not only mere agility – I find that they a lively concern for the theory of knowledge. They liked to start discussions concerning the aims and methods of sciences, and showed unequivocally by the obstinacy with which they defended their views that this subject seemed important to them’.

This is really not astonishing. For when I turn to science not for some superficial reason such as money-making or ambition, and also not (or at least not exclusively) for the pleasure of the sport, the delights of brain-athletics, then the following questions must burningly interest me as a disciple of this science: What goal will and can be reached by the science to which I am dedicating myself? To what extent are its general results ‘true’? What is essential, and what is based only on the accidents of development?’

‘Concepts which have proved useful for ordering things easily assume so great an authority over us, that we forget their terrestrial origin and accept them as unalterable facts. They then become labeled as “conceptual necessities,’ ‘a priori situations’, etc.

Exercise 5. Do you know anything of this famous photo of Albert Einstein? Answer the questions.

1. Do you think the questions suggested in paragraph 1 were posed by Albert Einstein? 2. What opinion is expressed in paragraph 1? Why couldn’t Albert Einstein share that opinion? 3. Why do you think the questions posed by Albert Einstein in paragraph 2 burningly interested him? 4. Agree or disagree that cientific progress is impossible without being concerned with the theory of knowledge.’

E xercise 6. Make up a written micro text ( use 100 words) using the following speech patterns:

1. I do research in the field of....

2. It is the science/a comparatively new branch of science that studies...

3. The field of science/research that I’m concerned with gathers knowledge about...

4. Remarkable advances have been made in...

5. It’s difficult/not difficult to foresee/ forecast/ predict...

Check yourself

1. We have interviewed all three candidates and …. we think that Joe is the most suitable person for the post.

a) all in all

b) in conclusion

c) by the way

d) besides

2.….discipline is concerned; I think it is a very good school.

a) as far as

b) as long as

c) as for

d) as regards

3. There has been an ___________ increase in global temperatures over the last two decades.

a) appreciative

b) appreciate

c) appreciable

d) appreciation

4. Laughter beats stress, boosts _________and improves your ability to learn and __________ facts, say scientists.

a) immune / memory

b) immunity / memorise

c) immunitet / memorise

d) immuny / memorize