Engaged scientific philosophy in the Vienna Circle: the case of Otto Neurath

Abstract

Science and Technology Studies (STS) generally assume that the traditional philosophy of science has nothing valuable to contribute to the question of what science might mean for humankind in the 21st century. In particular, logical empiricism is considered obsolete. But this assessment is mistaken. In contrast to received views, the logical empiricism of the Vienna Circle showed a vigorous interest in political and social issues such as education, technology, and art. The Vienna Circle considered itself part and parcel of a general modernist movement promoting a thorough-going modernization of philosophy, science, and society. In the case of the philosopher and scientist Otto Neurath (1882–1945), there are important points of contact between Vienna Circle logical empiricism and STS. Many of the difficulties with which STS is confronted today correspond to those faced by the logical empiricists, including questions of interdisciplinarity, tensions between ‘academic’ and ‘activist’ factions, and the difficulties of finding a way between the diverging requirements of ‘objective’ science and ‘engaged’ politics.