Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2023
Keywords
Universe and humans, scientific method, direct knowledge and conjectures, anthropocentrism, fundamentals and overlay, zone of uncertainty
Abstract
The ultimate purpose of this essay is to persuade humans to adopt a new, more objective perspective of their relationship to their environment, including the universe, but the odds of approaching, let alone reaching, this goal during my life are close to zero. Therefore, I limit my goal by examining the perspective held by scientists in the field of astrophysics for two reasons: they spend most of their professional activities in astrophysics and they do that by employing the scientific method. The first part of this essay presents a brief description of the scientific method and its product, the current perspective, followed by the reasons why I believe the present perspective is faulty. The second part offers a step-by-step construction of a new perspective which will not only help astrophysicists in their work but might also, gradually and at least occasionally, help all humans see themselves and their environment in a more objective manner.
Recommended Citation
Schwarz, Henry G., "Humans and Their Environment: A Proposal for a New Perspective" (2023). History Faculty and Staff Publications. 88.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/history_facpubs/88
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
