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Ernst Cassirer and the Structural Conception of Objects in Modern Science: The Importance of the “Erlanger Programm”

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

Karol-Nobert Ihmig
Karol-Nobert Ihmig
Affiliation:
Bielefeld, Germany
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Abstract

Cassirer's analyses of twentieth-century physics from the perspective of the philosophy of science focuses on the concept of the object of scientific experience. Within his concept of functional knowledge, he takes a structural stance and claims that it is specifically this concept of the object that has paved the way for modern science. This article aims, first, to show that Cassirer's interpretation of Felix Klein's “Erlanger Programm” provided the impetus for this view. Then, it analyzes Kant's conception of objectivity in order to examine whether Cassirer can rightfully claim that his view is a further development of transcendental principles. Finally, it is argued that it is Cassirer's concept of the object that enables him to integrate one decisive feature of scientific progress, namely, the increasing generalization of the basic concepts of a science, into his conception of knowledge. This is illustrated in more detail through the example of the progression from Newton's mechanics to relativity theory.

Type
Article
Information
Science in Context , Volume 12 , Issue 4 , winter 1999 , pp. 513 - 529
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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