Philosophy is critical

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Peter Espeut, in a recent column, argued that it is a mistake to promote STEM subjects without philosophy. He is right. Not only would philosophy give students historical background to these subjects, most of which are spin-offs from it, it would also equip them with important tools for the contemporary practice of these disciplines. I shall briefly mention some examples.

Few persons know that computers, smartphones and vending machines use logic, a core branch of philosophy. Logic is also a central part of Artificial Intelligence, a development that is changing the world. Logic is the study of good and bad reasoning, and is a core part of the methodology of all the sciences and mathematics.

Advances in science and technology have given rise to numerous ethical issues, and ethics is another main branch of philosophy. The environmental crisis which most scientists now attribute to human activity, including the expansion of science and technology, is crying out for environmental ethics to be taught in schools, colleges and universities. It is not prudent to promote the development of these areas without giving consideration to their capacity to provide benefits as well as do harm. The promotion of STEM subjects is obviously aimed at expanding business, commerce and the economy, but their unbridled development without bioethics and business ethics could lead to disaster.

As thinking about thinking, one of its definitions, philosophy is the critical-thinking subject par excellence, and this kind of thinking is the soul of inquiry in these subjects.

I should also point out that several of the great philosophers were also scientists and mathematicians, and some were also inventors. Students could benefit from being aware of the important alliances that have existed, and continue to exist, between philosophy and these STEM disciplines.

EARL MCKENZIE, PhD