This blog post examines how science and technology intertwine with human values through Heisenberg’s ‘Physics and Beyond’.
Heisenberg’s Atomic Theory
Heisenberg’s book ‘Physics and Beyond’ begins with a chapter titled ‘Encounter with Atomic Theory,’ which recounts discussions Heisenberg had with friends during his high school years. Here, Heisenberg and his friend Robert debate the atomic theory—the idea that all matter ultimately consists of indivisible minimal units, and that all matter can be broken down into such atoms. Another friend, Kurt, takes a critical stance toward their method of discussion.
The Intersection of Scientific Attitude and Philosophical Reflection
Robert argues that what emerges when matter is divided is not an objectively fixed entity, but rather a kind of abstract expression of natural laws. This perspective is interesting because it suggests science requires philosophical thought beyond mere experimental observation.
Heisenberg counters this using the example of a cat, arguing that what we observe is not the cat itself but the rays emanating from it—that is, the cat’s action. This suggests that scientific inquiry must extend not only to the object we directly observe but also to the manner in which that object acts. Kurt criticizes such philosophical discussions, claiming they have degenerated into unnecessarily complex speculative debates within scientific discourse, which should focus on simple empirical facts.
Here, the philosophy Kurt refers to is closer to a concept of ideological preconceptions than the philosophy discussed in modern times. He argues that correct scientific understanding is only possible when experiments are conducted purely, without any preconceptions, and views values as unnecessary in this process.
The Necessity of Values: The Boundary Between Humans and Science and Technology
However, I wish to present several counterarguments to Kurt’s opinion. Science and technology continue to advance and will eventually reach the realm of humanity. At this point, problems will emerge that cannot be solved by mere technological progress alone. For example, imagine creating a robot that is human-like. Beyond simple technical elements, for a robot to act and make judgments like a human, it must also embody the values that humans possess. Science and technology devoid of values will be unable to solve these human problems.
Furthermore, ethical issues frequently arise during the development of science and technology. For instance, determining the extent to which autonomous decisions by artificial intelligence should be permitted requires not only technical solutions but also ethical and societal considerations. This demonstrates that as science and technology move beyond being mere tools to deeply impacting human life, values become an essential element. Values serve as the criteria for evaluating whether an AI’s decisions are ethically justified and socially acceptable.
Changes in Modern Society and the Role of Science and Technology
Modern society, unlike the past, is an era of abundant resources. Beyond mere survival, people demand better technology to fulfill diverse desires. In the past, a telephone only needed to make and receive calls. Today, however, phones require various additional functions, reflecting people’s values and expectations. This change demonstrates that values and science and technology are inextricably linked, as technology must reflect the demands of the times.
It is impossible to ignore such epochal shifts and view science and technology merely as tools for advancement. As science and technology advance, they become deeply intertwined with human life, necessitating social and ethical values throughout this process. Since technology itself cannot define its purpose, it is human values that establish the criteria for setting that purpose and guiding technological development accordingly.
Conclusion
To summarize, Kurt’s assertion that “values are unnecessary for science and technology” can be seen as an argument born from a limited perspective. As science and technology advance, they inevitably become more closely intertwined with human life, and at this juncture, human values play a crucial role in guiding the direction of technological development. The author firmly believes that the importance of values will become increasingly prominent as science and technology progress, and considers ongoing discussion about the interaction between science, technology, and values to be necessary.
