Maxwell, N; (2009) What's wrong with science? Sublime (17/09) 90 - 93.

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Abstract

Here is an idea that might help save the world. It is that science, properly understood, provides us with the methodological key to the salvation of humanity. First, we need to acknowledge the actual problematic aims of science, which make problematic assumptions about metaphysics, values and use. Then we need to represent these aims in the form of a hierarchy of aims, which become increasingly unproblematic as one goes up the hierarchy, thus creating a framework of relatively unproblematic aims and methods within which much more problematic aims and methods may be improved as scientific knowledge improves. Then, we need to generalize this hierarchical, aims-and-methods-improving methodology so that it becomes fruitfully applicable to any worthwhile endeavour with problematic aims. Finally, we need to apply this methodology to the immensely problematic task of making progress towards as good a world as feasible.

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