Poincar,'s aesthetics of science

Ivanova, Milena (2017): Poincar,'s aesthetics of science. In: Synthese, Vol. 194, No. 7: pp. 2581-2594

Abstract

This paper offers a systematic analysis of Poincar,'s understanding of beauty in science. In particular, the paper examines the epistemic significance Poincar, attributes to aesthetic judgement by reconstructing and analysing his arguments on simplicity and unity in science. I offer a consistent reconstruction of Poincar,'s account and show that for Poincar, simplicity and unity are regulative principles, linked to the aim of science-that of achieving understanding of how phenomena relate. I show how Poincar,'s account of beauty in science can be incorporated within his wider philosophy of science.

• Item Type: Journal article
• ISSN: 0039-7857
• Language: English