DOES KNOWING PHILOSOPHY MAKE A SCIENTIST A BETTER SCIENTIST OR DOES KNOWING SCIENCE MAKING A PHILOSOPHER A BETTER PHILOSOPHER?

Which Comes First? René Descartes’ “Top-Down Ontology” Versus John Heil’s “Bottom-Up Ontology”

Abstract

In this paper I contrast two ways philosophy and science can relate and influence each other.  On one side, I present René Descartes’ metaphysical defense and justification for 17^th century science.  On the other side, I present the contemporary philosopher John Heil’s claim that metaphysics must be based on the latest findings of fundamental physics.  I argue for the second claim, not because science is a superior intellectual pursuit but because of the importance and role of “experience” in both scientific and philosophical inquiry.