This course explores the role of values in atomism and science and technology through the lens of Heisenberg’s Part and Whole. While Kurt’s argument denies the need for values in science and technology, the author emphasizes the importance of values in the relationship between humans and science and ethical issues.
Heisenberg’s book, “Parts and Whole,” begins with a chapter titled “Encounter with Atomism,” which recounts a discussion between Heisenberg and his friends in high school. Here, Heisenberg and his friend Robert discuss atomism, the idea that all matter has a final, indivisible, smallest unit, and that all matter can be decomposed into those very same atoms. Another friend, Kurt, is critical of their way of thinking.
The intersection of scientific attitudes and philosophical considerations
Robert’s view of atomism is that what emerges when matter is divided is not an objectively fixed thing, but rather a kind of abstract representation of natural laws. This perspective is interesting because science requires philosophical thinking that goes beyond mere experimental observation. Heisenberg refutes this with the example of a cat, arguing that we don’t see the cat itself, but rather the rays of light that emanate from it, the cat’s behavior. This suggests that we should scientifically explore not only what we see directly, but also how it works.
Kurt criticizes philosophical discussions like this one for turning from a scientific discussion of simple empirical facts into an unnecessarily complex speculative discussion. The philosophy Kurt is referring to here is more of an ideological preconception than a modern philosophy. He argues that proper scientific understanding is possible only when experiments are conducted purely without any preconceived notions, and that values are unnecessary in this process.
The need for values: the boundary between humanity and science
However, I’d like to offer a few rebuttals to Kurt’s argument. Science and technology will continue to evolve and eventually reach the human realm. At that point, there will be problems that cannot be solved by mere technological advances. For example, imagine building a human-like robot. Beyond just the technical elements, for a robot to act and think like a human, it must also embody human values. Without values, science and technology will not be able to solve these human problems.
Furthermore, the development of science and technology often raises ethical issues. For example, the question of how far to allow AI to make autonomous judgments is not only a technical issue, but also requires ethical and social considerations. This shows that as technology becomes more than just a tool and becomes more involved in human life, values become an essential factor. Values are the basis for evaluating whether an AI’s decisions are ethically justified and socially acceptable.
Changes in modern society and the role of science and technology
Unlike the past, modern society is resource-rich. Beyond simple survival, people demand better technology to fulfill their various needs. In the past, phones were only needed to make and receive calls. But now, people need more than that, and it’s a reflection of their values and expectations. These changes indicate that technology is inextricably linked to values in that it must reflect the needs of the times.
It is impossible to ignore these changes and view science and technology as a mere tool for progress. As science and technology develops, it becomes more deeply involved in human life, and social and ethical values become essential in the process. Since technology itself cannot set the purpose, it is human values that set the purpose and guide the development of technology accordingly.
Conclusion
To summarize, Kurt’s argument that “values are unnecessary for science and technology” is based on a limited perspective. As science and technology develop, they become more closely connected to human life, and human values play an important role in guiding the development of science and technology. I am convinced that values will become more important as science and technology develop, and I think it is necessary to discuss the interaction between science and technology and values in the future.
