The Philosopher and the Scientists: Comments on the Perception of the Exact Sciences in the Work of Hans Jonas

Abstract

It is difficult for a scientist to comment on the work of a philosopher. It may even seem to be improper for him to try since full competence is an acknowledged prerequisite for scientific publications. However, this is neither a philosophical essay nor a critical or hermeneutic evaluation of some of the writings of Hans Jonas. Rather, I shall try to formulate a response to the philosophical analysis of science and technology which appears in the work of Jonas, describing briefly its importance for scientists who are seeking an Archimedean standpoint for their activities. I assume that philosophy is not itself a specialized science but a discipline which can stay alive only through a never ending interaction with all human endeavors, and I propose to speak as a recipient, but not as a creator, of philosophical ideas. I hope that this will protect me against the reproach of going beyond my range of competence. I do not doubt that already my assumption about the nature of philosophy is open to criticism from at least some philosophers, but I feel certain that it is not objectionable to Jonas.