Logic and Science
Logic and Science
This chapter begins with Avicenna’s metatheory of logic, which underlies his philosophy of science and theory of knowledge (˓ilm). It then considers Avicenna’s scientific realism and the relation he finds between logical notions (such as genus and difference) and the objects of scientific inquiry. After a brief consideration of how Avicenna divides the sciences, the discussion turns to two of the most important logical tools that the medieval scientist and philosopher used, namely, definitions and demonstrations, and their relation to causes. The final section of this chapter takes up Avicenna’s discussion of certain empirical methods, such as induction and methodic experience, employed by scientists for acquiring knowledge of definitions and the first principles of demonstrations, at least as those methods appear in his logical works.
Keywords: logic, science, conceptualization, verification, essence, existence, definition, demonstration, induction, experience
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