This collection of essays represents an interdisciplinary approach to some contemporary issues in the philosophy of science and the theory of knowledge. It is also an attempt to place art in the context of human cognition in general and also to relate it to science and philosophy. Its conception is such that it accords with the view that our creativity is not separable from a humanistic orientation. Within such a humanistic framework, aiming at a stable form of peace becomes the (...) moral responsibility of both the scientist and the philosopher. (shrink)

From its start philosophy sought principles or values by which any action could be considered good or evil. The situation in a civil court is much simpler. The judge has before him an already worked-out criminal code, and since an evil action has already been settled, it is easy to determine the appropriate punishment. But we are here not interested in the punishment nor can we assume in advance the existence of some sort of book of laws. We are rather (...) concerned with discovering the principles by which we can judge others and estabHsh appropriate laws. In all this, moreover, there are subtle and gross differences between men, but for moral behaviour it is essential that human freedom and universality remain preserved in every good purpose whether that be security, reform, improvement, or the enrichment of life. (shrink)

From its start philosophy sought principles or values by which any action could be considered good or evil. The situation in a civil court is much simpler. The judge has before him an already worked-out criminal code, and since an evil action has already been settled, it is easy to determine the appropriate punishment. But we are here not interested in the punishment nor can we assume in advance the existence of some sort of book of laws. We are rather (...) concerned with discovering the principles by which we can judge others and estabHsh appropriate laws. In all this, moreover, there are subtle and gross differences between men, but for moral behaviour it is essential that human freedom and universality remain preserved in every good purpose whether that be security, reform, improvement, or the enrichment of life. (shrink)

The Humanism of the new era grew in a renaissance of hellenistic culture with the new trends in science and art coming into conflict with clerical dogmatism. Its decay has been caused by external factors (creation of national states and institutions) and by the internal development of science and philosophy; particularly the principle of objectivism separated science from ethics. The revival of humanism occured in defense of the principles of equality, freedom and universality against the militancy and dogmatism of totalitarian (...) parties. The danger of a total nuclear and ecological disaster has given to humanism the highest principle: the preservation of life. Humanism today is endowed by the mission to create the common basis for world-accord and -unity. (shrink)

The Humanism of the new era grew in a renaissance of hellenistic culture with the new trends in science and art coming into conflict with clerical dogmatism. Its decay has been caused by external factors (creation of national states and institutions) and by the internal development of science and philosophy; particularly the principle of objectivism separated science from ethics. The revival of humanism occured in defense of the principles of equality, freedom and universality against the militancy and dogmatism of totalitarian (...) parties. The danger of a total nuclear and ecological disaster has given to humanism the highest principle: the preservation of life. Humanism today is endowed by the mission to create the common basis for world-accord and -unity. (shrink)