In Bachelard＇s thought, the understanding ＂of the other＂ in scientific thought is given usually by means of empirical or rational discourse. However, it is not unusual to realize the emphasis of scientific thought ...In Bachelard＇s thought, the understanding ＂of the other＂ in scientific thought is given usually by means of empirical or rational discourse. However, it is not unusual to realize the emphasis of scientific thought as rationally justifiable. Certainly, the dynamics of scientific thought throughout history has not been indifferent to other possibilities of epistemological construction. We cannot escape the facts： Science needs linguistic devices to strengthen its principles and criteria for validation. The aim of this paper is to answer, based on a new conception of metaphor, under what conditions metaphor can be a ＂physical metaphor＂ and the extent to which the symbolism in general brings a special light gain of sense to the understanding of physical reality that surrounds us.展开更多
The theory of four elements(or roots)was the first plural attempt to explain life and change and was based on the combination of four different roots that give rise to life and matter.The four elements(fire,air,water ...The theory of four elements(or roots)was the first plural attempt to explain life and change and was based on the combination of four different roots that give rise to life and matter.The four elements(fire,air,water and earth)were thought to be the building blocks of all substances.This theory was derived from observation and reason and it might be viewed as a material or substancialist theory.Its development brought important concepts such as equilibrium,proportion and combination to chemistry and medicine.The aim of the present paper is to describe the theory of four elements,its origin and development from Empedocles and Aristotle to Roulle and Beeckman.Although the conception of the chemical elementsin modern chemistry is different from the theory of four elements,that theory was valuable as an intellectual effort to understand nature and transmutation and to conciliate reason and senses,besides being the first theory postulating the pluralism of matter’s composition,in opposition to monism.I argue that chemistry has a past and it is important to know the theory of the four elements for its historical value because it can be considered an introductory chapter of chemistry,introducing the concepts of indestructible elements and the proportional combination of them in Western thought.展开更多
文摘In Bachelard＇s thought, the understanding ＂of the other＂ in scientific thought is given usually by means of empirical or rational discourse. However, it is not unusual to realize the emphasis of scientific thought as rationally justifiable. Certainly, the dynamics of scientific thought throughout history has not been indifferent to other possibilities of epistemological construction. We cannot escape the facts： Science needs linguistic devices to strengthen its principles and criteria for validation. The aim of this paper is to answer, based on a new conception of metaphor, under what conditions metaphor can be a ＂physical metaphor＂ and the extent to which the symbolism in general brings a special light gain of sense to the understanding of physical reality that surrounds us.
文摘The theory of four elements(or roots)was the first plural attempt to explain life and change and was based on the combination of four different roots that give rise to life and matter.The four elements(fire,air,water and earth)were thought to be the building blocks of all substances.This theory was derived from observation and reason and it might be viewed as a material or substancialist theory.Its development brought important concepts such as equilibrium,proportion and combination to chemistry and medicine.The aim of the present paper is to describe the theory of four elements,its origin and development from Empedocles and Aristotle to Roulle and Beeckman.Although the conception of the chemical elementsin modern chemistry is different from the theory of four elements,that theory was valuable as an intellectual effort to understand nature and transmutation and to conciliate reason and senses,besides being the first theory postulating the pluralism of matter’s composition,in opposition to monism.I argue that chemistry has a past and it is important to know the theory of the four elements for its historical value because it can be considered an introductory chapter of chemistry,introducing the concepts of indestructible elements and the proportional combination of them in Western thought.
