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Science, conscience, consciousness.

Boris Hennig1

  • 1Humboldt Universität, Berlin.

History of the Human Sciences
|November 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Consciousness, rooted in Descartes' metaphysics, is an epistemic moral conscience crucial for science. This "conscientia" involves a double awareness of thought and ethical duty, enabling conscientious scientific inquiry.

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Area of Science:

  • Metaphysics
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • René Descartes' metaphysical framework establishes foundational principles for scientific disciplines.
  • The concept of consciousness (conscientia) is historically situated within metaphysics, not psychology.

Observation:

  • The study posits that consciousness, as a metaphysical concept, aligns with an epistemic interpretation of moral conscience.
  • This reconceptualization reframes the basis of scientific activity as conscientious thought.

Findings:

  • Consciousness, essential for scientific endeavor, is characterized as a dual awareness.
  • This awareness encompasses recognizing one's thoughts, understanding ethical obligations, and perceiving potential discrepancies between the two.

Implications:

  • Reinterpreting consciousness as moral conscience offers new perspectives on the epistemology of science.
  • Understanding this 'conscientia' could enhance scientific integrity and the ethical dimensions of research.
  • This metaphysical view of consciousness provides a philosophical basis for cognitive and psychological studies.