Rationalism and the Physical World

Abstract

The word ‘rationalism’ in scientific context has an ominous ring. One thinks perhaps of the scholastic philosopher who refused Galileo’s invitation to observe the sunspots through his telescope, since the sun could have no spots on rationalistic grounds. Or we are perhaps reminded of Aristotle himself, who demonstrated on the basis of rationalistic arguments that the free motion of a body can only be circular. The new experimental method, which came up during the Renaissance, defeated the dream of the ancients to come to terms with the inner meaning of natural phenomena through speculation and contemplation. But is the defeat final — are we sure that the ghost of old may not raise its head again in modified garb?