The form which
this misapprehension usually takes is that of a failure to
appreciate the character of scientific method, and especially its
analogy to the methods of practical life. In the judgment of the
ordinary intelligent man there is a wide distinction between
theoretical and practical science. The latter he considers as that
science directly applicable to the building of railroads, the
construction of engines, the invention of new machinery, the
construction of maps, and other useful objects. The former he
considers analogous to those philosophic speculations in which men
have indulged in all ages without leading to any result which he
considers practical. That our knowledge of nature is increased by
its prosecution is a fact of which he is quite conscious, but he
considers it as terminating with a mere increase of knowledge, and
not as having in its method anything which a person devoted to
material interests can be expected to appreciate.
This view is strengthened by the spirit with which he sees
scientific investigation prosecuted. It is well understood on all
sides that when such investigations are pursued in a spirit really
recognized as scientific, no merely utilitarian object is had in
view.
Pages:
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414