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(1979) The structure and development of science, Dordrecht, Springer.
Some issues regarding the completeness of science and the limits of scientific knowledge
Nicholas Rescher
pp. 19-40
The incompleteness of knowledge is a familiar conception, but nevertheless deserves closer scrutiny. A body of knowledge is incomplete when it is defective in point of comprehensiveness, self-sufficiency, and scope. In such a case, the body will have gaps, omissions, or such-like deficiencies in the inclusiveness of its "coverage". The whole is then lacking in mutual support — like a broken statue with missing pieces. Some parts of it will demand the operation of elements that are simply lacking, there is a collective inadequacy to the common task.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/978-94-009-9459-1_2
Full citation:
Rescher, N. (1979)., Some issues regarding the completeness of science and the limits of scientific knowledge, in G. Radnitzky & G. Andersson (eds.), The structure and development of science, Dordrecht, Springer, pp. 19-40.
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