We are concerned in this series with the philosophical foundations of science.  Science is the discovery about how the natural, physical world operates.  ‘Science’ however, interprets data based on its worldview.  If the underlying philosophy is changed the interpretation must change.  We know for example, that the mathematical and observational ‘proofs’ for heliocentricity, apply equally as well if not better, for the geo-and helio-geo-centric models.  We also know that Relativity has been disproven through observational experience.  Yet both are ‘consensus’ ‘science’.  They are philosophies not ‘science’.

In the last 2 posts we discussed Descartes and the malevolent effects of Cartesian philosophy.  Cartesian ‘rationality’ has been abused by interpreters to become irrational and unprovable.  First it has led to hyper-rationalisation and a belief that solipsistic (egocentric) nominalism (no reality) is valid and reasonable.  Second, Cartesian deductive mathematics, which negates experiential proof, were the foundations for the elevation of models and abstract maths over experimental induction.  Descartes’ philosophy had led to the destruction of common sense and has informed Rousseau, Comte, Marx, Nietzsche and Einstotle’s Relativity. 

Following from Descartes, it is necessary to turn to Newton (1642-1727) who was a Cartesian.  Many posts here discuss issues with Newtonian physics and why it has distorted modern physics.  This short post will look at the philosophical impact from Newtonian theory, including how it supplied the assumptions undergirding Relativity and modern cosmology.  In summary, Newton’s mechanisation of nature and the universe is along with Descartes’ ideas, one of the great destructive theologies of common sense in Western civilisation.  More here