Rethinking Science: From Evolutionary Metaphors to Mirror Reflections in Philosophy

Abstract

The main question of this paper is: why have philosophers of science like Popper, Kuhn, and Hull compared the change of science over time to evolutionary theories, invoking evolutionary epistemology? Why do they use the evolutionary metaphor or analogy to describe scientific change? A historian might attribute this to the societal popularity of evolutionary theory during certain periods. However, this exploratory paper approaches the question from a philosophical and psychological perspective. Despite the clear fallacy that human beings intentionally drive changes in scientific theories, whereas evolution lacks intentionality, the evolutionary metaphor has been seriously considered by these philosophers. The application of science and technology has yielded both benefits and significant problems, creating doubts and fears about issues like climate change, atomic bombs, and pollution. Philosophers may have unconsciously sought parallels between science and nature to create a reassuring imaginary, presenting science as a robust "organism" capable of adapting to environmental challenges. Thus, the thesis is twofold: philosophers used the comparison to establish science’s distinct identity and to offer a comforting vision of its resilience.