How the Modern Age science has enriched the humanity

The author discusses the problem of the origins of natural sciences as well as the problem of their usefulness. He argues that there is a widespread belief in philosophy of science that science is a sphere of human activity which aims at producing objectively true knowledge. Search for truth appears to be the main purpose of science. He claims that this belief remains naive or even misleading. Science as one of social institutions also aims at carrying out some socially determined functions. Yet the most important function here is not the search for truth but technical development. The author argues that the search for truth represents an instrument for technical progress solely. The great geographical discoveries resulted in the European political expansion and gold enrichment. The development of shipbuilding, the rise of markets and infrastructure became the consequences of this process. The author notes that the first scientists (Leonardo, Niccolo Tartaglia) were at the same time great inventors. This fact shows that the Modern Age science primarily appears to be technoscience. The rise of experiment as a key method of science also revealed a close connection between science and technology. The author shows that the Modern Age science development has resulted in the technological improvement of human labor and communication. He claims that the Modern Age science has created an artificial world, which we now call "civilized". It has really contributed to the total satisfaction of our biological needs, but it has failed in the improvement of our spiritual life. However, religion, arts, philosophy and even mythology have always been dealing with this. The author concludes that these spheres have played a major role in the spiritual growth of the humanity.

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