Up to now, most scientists have been too occupied with the development of new theories that describe what the universe is, as opposed to why it is. On the other hand, the people whose business it is to ask why - The Philosophers, have not been able to keep up with the advance of scientific theories.
In the 18th century, philosophers considered the whole of human knowledge, including science, to be their field and discussed questions such as whether the universe had a beginning. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, science became too technical and mathematical for the philosophers, or anyone else except a few specialists. Philosophers reduced the scope of their inquiries so much that Wittgenstein, the most famous philosopher of the 20th century, said, ''The sole remaining task for philosophy is the analysis of language.''
What a comedown from the great tradition of philosophy from Aristotle to Kant!
(Hawkin & Mlodinow)
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Forget the economic downturn, it's pesky science that's putting people out of work!
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