Abstract
The behavior/structure methodological dichotomy as locus of scientific inquiry is closely related to the issue of modeling and theory change in scientific explanation. Given that the traditional tension between structure and behavior in scientific modeling is likely here to stay, considering the relevant precedents in the history of ideas could help us better understand this theoretical struggle. This better understanding might open up unforeseen possibilities and new instantiations, particularly in what concerns the proposed technological modification of the human condition. The sequential structure of this paper is twofold. The contribution of three philosophers better known in the humanities than in the study of science proper are laid out. The key theoretical notions interweaving the whole narrative are those of mechanization, constructability and simulation. They shall provide the conceptual bridge between these classical thinkers and the following section. Here, a panoramic view of three significant experimental approaches in contemporary scientific research is displayed, suggesting that their undisclosed ontological premises have deep roots in the Western tradition of the humanities. This ontological lock between core humanist ideals and late research in biology and nanoscience is ultimately suggested as responsible for pervasively altering what is canonically understood as “human”.
Highlights
There were deep concerns regarding the outcome of combining the Christian faith with a philosophy which, even if acknowledging the existence of the Divine, it did it in a way that could forever remove it away from a human relational intimacy—Aristotle’s god was not a personal god; even less one that would become man
Aquinas was eventually reivindicated by the Church, which three centuries later placed his Summa Theologica besides the Bible on the altar the only book ever that enjoyed such honor in the closing Mass for the Council of Trent, when it defined its position against the Protestant revolt
Once we have identified a naturally assembled motor, we have found the proof that nano-motors are possible
Summary
After several centuries of having Aristotle’s works unavailable to Europe, the twelfth century witnessed a revival of Aristotelian philosophy. For Scotus there is a semantic continuum in our predication of the attributes of a being including God for otherwise there could be the case of a being including God equivocally referred to, and removed beyond the grasp of our intellectual might In his own words: And lest there be a dispute about the name “univocation”, I designate that concept univocal which possesses sufficient unity in itself, so that to affirm or deny it of one and the same thing would be a contradiction. Regardless of the way in which being opposes to nothingness, it is the same notion of being at work here, either applied to God or His creatures This ontological continuum 3 should warrant our finite capacity of reaching the Infinite One. After all, our knowledge would differ from the Creator’s in a manner of degree, not kind pace Thomas Aquinas.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
