4.1

Why Plato was against observational astronomy

 

Dimitris Sinachopoulos, Anneta Sinachopoulos, Brussels

 

Abstract

The broad scope of the discussed issues, the simplicity of the presentation, as well as the clear description of the necessity to work with well founded, abstract theories in science have made the Platonic Work one of the most significant theoretical cornerstones in human history. His idealism and the resulted abstraction and generalisation procedures constitute the basis of our scientific thought. Nevertheless, this foundation of science on platonic idealism hindered discussions about some critical positions of Plato for many centuries. In the last century, as the reading of his work is no longer a privilege of few people, some points in his philosophy have started to be critically examined. One of the »negative« points in his work is his position as regards observational sciences.


Bibliographical details:

Dimitris Sinachopoulos, Anneta Sinachopoulos: Why Plato was against observational astronomy. In: Peter Brosche, Wolfgang R. Dick, Oliver Schwarz, Roland Wielen (Eds.): The Message of the Angles - Astrometry from 1798 to 1998. Proceedings of the International Spring Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft, Gotha, May 11-15, 1998. (Acta Historica Astronomiae; 3). Thun ; Frankfurt am Main : Deutsch, 1998, p. 241-242.