In this paper, I have defended a transcendental interpretation of the concept of
«world» in relat... more In this paper, I have defended a transcendental interpretation of the concept of «world» in relativity theory. I have shown that despite the objectification implied by the unification of space and time (section one), subjective conditions are still relevant for the construction of spacetime. Therefore, I have tackled Weyl’s and Eddington’s interpretations of relativity in the second section. Weyl, influenced by Husserl, endorsed the vision that local reality is built via the temporal form of consciousness. Although with less famous philosophical references, Eddington peculiarly sided with idealistic trends. He defined the physical world as the description of events or objects from the standpoint of no one in particular. Therefore, world-geometry, that is, spacetime diagrams and the geometry adopted in relativity, is conceived regardless of its actualizations. However, it turned out that the mind imposes its demands (such as permanence or contiguity) on the physical world and that measurements set up particular conditions. Finally, I have tried to revise these statements in light of the contemporary debate in the philosophy of physics and neuroscience. I have shown that the world, conceived of as local reality, should be studied by combining assumptions on the nature of the mind or brain with the physical properties of signals.
In this paper, I aim to reconstruct the debate on Leibniz to which Russell’s and Cassirer’s
monog... more In this paper, I aim to reconstruct the debate on Leibniz to which Russell’s and Cassirer’s monographs contributed eminently. This task is important both historically and epistemologically. In fact, their interpretations represented the apexes, at least at that time, of the logicist and the neo-Kantian philosophies of mathematics; on the other hand, they also paved the way for later developments of the discussion on the foundations of mathematics. The paper is divided into five sections. The first contains a brief introduction. In the second and third parts, I present Russell’s and Cassirer’s works to explain why they maintained that mathematics is synthetic. In the fourth section, I compare and contrast the reviews that they wrote about their books. Finally, in the fifth section, I propose a perspectivist interpretation of the dispute.
The paper surveys the possibility of keeping a neo-Kantian approach in the face of Loop Quantum G... more The paper surveys the possibility of keeping a neo-Kantian approach in the face of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG). Together with a preliminary analysis of Cassirer's reinterpretation of Kantian philosophy that allowed him to harmonize the a priori cognitions with the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics (QM), it will focus on the distinction between constitutive and regulative a priori. In this way, the paper will suggest that despite Rovelli's refutation of Kant's interpretation of space and time, he seems, at least implicitly, to hold to a couple of neo-Kantian assumptions: (i) the usage of constitutive a priori principles such as granularity, indeterminism and partially relation, (ii) and the claim for functionalism as a rule in ordering the 'appearances'.
My paper aims to show that "memory" is the basic form of "natural experience". It surveys two lev... more My paper aims to show that "memory" is the basic form of "natural experience". It surveys two levels of the definition of memory: on the one hand, it deals with its phenomenological determination, which I mean to be compatible with neurophysiology and palaeoanthropology; on the other hand, it tackles the phenomenon of "exteriorization", which I understand to be the specific feature of human memory. I will prove that exteriorization consists of the capacity of a given symbolic language to reproduce itself and I will show that this is a shared attitude to language and mathematics. I will also argue that exteriorization is solely possible in respect of continuity, in order to establish the intertwining of memory and continuity. *** Introduzione Il presente saggio intende analizzare il ruolo della memoria nella formazione dell'esperienza umana e, più in generale, individuare i caratteri principali di una fenomenologia dell'esperienza naturale come stadio che precede l'esperienza scientifica propriamente detta. Il punto di partenza da cui muoverà l'indagine è costituito dall'analisi del concetto di «catena operativa» in André Leroi-Gourhan e dalla definizione fenomenologica di «memoria» come rielaborazione dei diversi pattern operazionali. Ciò essenzialmente per due motivi: 1) il primo concerne la definizione della memoria come dispositivo che regola l'adattamento dell'uomo al suo ambiente; 2) il secondo riguarda la centralità del fenomeno dell'esteriorizzazione come cifra dell'evoluzione umana. In secondo luogo, il saggio proverà a fornire una comprensione di base del concetto di «esperienza naturale» e a soppesare l'influenza della matematica e del linguaggio sulla sua stessa determinazione; in particolare, proverà a studiare l'integrazione dell'originario strato non-linguistico dell'esperienza naturale, vale a dire l'intuizione matematica
In the following paper, the author will try to test the meaning of the transcendental approach in... more In the following paper, the author will try to test the meaning of the transcendental approach in respect of the inner changes implied by the idea of quantum gravity. He will firstly describe the basic methodological Kant’s aim, viz. the grounding of a meta-science of physics as the a priori corpus of physical knowledge. After that, he will take into account the problematic physical and philosophical relationship between the theory of relativity and the quantum mechanics; in showing how the elementary ontological and epistemological assumptions of experience result to be changed within them, he will also show the further modifications occurred in the development of the loop quantum gravity. He will particularly focus on the tough problem of the relationship space-matter, in order to settle the decisive question about the possibility of keeping a transcendental approach in the light of quantum gravity. He will positively answer by recalling Cassirer’s theory of the invariants of experience, although he will also add some problematic issues arising from the new physical context.
The following paper will examine Cassirer’s interpretation of the theory
of relativity. The main ... more The following paper will examine Cassirer’s interpretation of the theory of relativity. The main philosophical question which has to be asked is the following: is the transcendental constitution of space and time still valid in order to describe the real constitution of scientific experience? Must the results of special and general relativity necessarily negate the old Kantian structure? Einstein’s theory should indeed be conceived as a general reformulation of the conditions of possibility of scientific experience on the basis of a new metrology, which seems to contrast Kant’s own point of view, primarily when we consider the fact that the determination of those conditions as such exclusively pertains to physics, when, as is well known, they are conceived of by Kant and his scholars as intellectual functions. Accordingly, if we say Einstein is entirely right, the risk will consist of completely misjudging transcendental Leistung, which, moreover, would be declared completely superfluous in determining experience. Cassirer’s interpretation is quite clear on the latter point: the theory of relativity falls on the ground of transcendental philosophy, since the preliminary physical determination must be prefaced with an analysis of the judgements we use to express the main physical notions, for instance, the famous ‘simultaneity’: even if the physical definition of simultaneity must be established solely in the field of physics, considering the limitations implied by the speed of light, a preliminary assumption regarding the concept of a “normal” definition of simultaneity is required, which depends upon some invariable functions of the intellect. Through this interpretation, and notwithstanding the endorsement of the empirical side of relativity, the priority of a pure transcendental moment against the first stratum of a physical determination must be upheld. In arguing the renewed necessity of this quite standard transcendental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view dental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz. Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
In the present paper, the author aims at laying the foundations of a symbolics of technical gestu... more In the present paper, the author aims at laying the foundations of a symbolics of technical gesture, according to the thesis that symbolic faculty is another face of the technological one, and that they are both in truth two sides of the same coin. Accordingly, the author suggests to rename the whole dimension as “meta-environmentality”. The analysis is carried out on the basis of a specific comparison between Cassirer’s definition of “animal symbolicum” and its scientific consistence in the light of modern palaeontology. “Animal symbolicum” is here compared with Leroi-Gourhan’s homo technologicus, and Cassirer’s ideas on human identity tested starting from paleoanthropological data. The result of the inquiry lead us to recognize the urgency of integrating Cassirer’s argument with the primacy of the technological capacity, but a deep analysis of the characterizing attributes of the latter compels us to uphold the symbolic attitude of the technological dimension. The author then sketches a basic description of the guidelines of a symbolic theory of technology (especially §§ 6-7), and tries to show how the basic elements of such an approach were familiar both to Cassirer and Leroi-Gourhan. As a consequence of the whole theory, the author elaborates a chronological analysis of human identity, whose basic result is the determination of the future as main temporal dimension of human acting.
L'articolo intende fornire un'analisi di base della lettura cassireriana della biologia, con part... more L'articolo intende fornire un'analisi di base della lettura cassireriana della biologia, con particolare riferimento all'evoluzionismo e ai fondamenti della scienza paleontologica. In chiave teorica, la proposta principale è quella di interpretare la paleoantropologia come scienza trascendentale dell'uomo
L'intervento propone una peculiare demarcazione fra filosofico e politico nel pensiero greco anti... more L'intervento propone una peculiare demarcazione fra filosofico e politico nel pensiero greco antico, con particolare attenzione a Eraclito, Tucidide e Platone. La tesi di fondo è che il rapporto fra filosofia e politica viva un'ambivalenza, dovuta al fatto che il filosofo è, da un lato, il custode dello spazio del nomos, e quindi è la sua pratica che, sotto un certo aspetto, garantisce il significato della vita pubblica e la sua stessa costituzione concettuale, ma, dall'altro, la natura del suo sapere avanza costantemente una richiesta di trascendimento delle istanze a questa vita connesse.
The following paper would concern with the problem of technology in Heidegger's and Heisenberg's ... more The following paper would concern with the problem of technology in Heidegger's and Heisenberg's thought. It will show the difference between the two point of views as much the very same approach in arguing and answering to the question of technology. Indeed, the core of both answers will be shown in the determination of the problem of art.
This paper examines
the deeper philosophical core of Heisenbergs thought. This core is regarded ... more This paper examines the deeper philosophical core of Heisenbergs thought. This core is regarded as a part of the reflection on the ontological problem raised by the modern physics, and, in particular, by the quantum mechanics. Two main aspects of it have been detected: an early representation of the theory-reality problem and the ontological question about the essence and the nature of mathematical knowledge. By highlighting two important and very different Heisenbergs positions about the latter topic, a general point of view on the whole argument is made clear.
Il presente volume, che intende approfondire l'interpretazione di Ernst Cassirer della matematica... more Il presente volume, che intende approfondire l'interpretazione di Ernst Cassirer della matematica e il suo significato speculativo, intreccia fra loro diverse tracce ermeneutiche: la storia della matematica, la disputa su Leibniz, cui hanno partecipato Russell e Couturat, la questione di uno hegelismo della «cattiva infinità», come opzione di fondo del sistema, e il problema dell'esternalità. In ultima analisi, è messa in discussione la validità trascendentale dell'approccio della teoria degli invarianti dell'esperienza.
Il capitolo espone in maniera circostanziata le istanze principali della storia dell'astronomia d... more Il capitolo espone in maniera circostanziata le istanze principali della storia dell'astronomia da Platone a Simplicio, cercando di offrirne una interpretazione epistemologica complessiva.
In this paper, I have defended a transcendental interpretation of the concept of
«world» in relat... more In this paper, I have defended a transcendental interpretation of the concept of «world» in relativity theory. I have shown that despite the objectification implied by the unification of space and time (section one), subjective conditions are still relevant for the construction of spacetime. Therefore, I have tackled Weyl’s and Eddington’s interpretations of relativity in the second section. Weyl, influenced by Husserl, endorsed the vision that local reality is built via the temporal form of consciousness. Although with less famous philosophical references, Eddington peculiarly sided with idealistic trends. He defined the physical world as the description of events or objects from the standpoint of no one in particular. Therefore, world-geometry, that is, spacetime diagrams and the geometry adopted in relativity, is conceived regardless of its actualizations. However, it turned out that the mind imposes its demands (such as permanence or contiguity) on the physical world and that measurements set up particular conditions. Finally, I have tried to revise these statements in light of the contemporary debate in the philosophy of physics and neuroscience. I have shown that the world, conceived of as local reality, should be studied by combining assumptions on the nature of the mind or brain with the physical properties of signals.
In this paper, I aim to reconstruct the debate on Leibniz to which Russell’s and Cassirer’s
monog... more In this paper, I aim to reconstruct the debate on Leibniz to which Russell’s and Cassirer’s monographs contributed eminently. This task is important both historically and epistemologically. In fact, their interpretations represented the apexes, at least at that time, of the logicist and the neo-Kantian philosophies of mathematics; on the other hand, they also paved the way for later developments of the discussion on the foundations of mathematics. The paper is divided into five sections. The first contains a brief introduction. In the second and third parts, I present Russell’s and Cassirer’s works to explain why they maintained that mathematics is synthetic. In the fourth section, I compare and contrast the reviews that they wrote about their books. Finally, in the fifth section, I propose a perspectivist interpretation of the dispute.
The paper surveys the possibility of keeping a neo-Kantian approach in the face of Loop Quantum G... more The paper surveys the possibility of keeping a neo-Kantian approach in the face of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG). Together with a preliminary analysis of Cassirer's reinterpretation of Kantian philosophy that allowed him to harmonize the a priori cognitions with the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics (QM), it will focus on the distinction between constitutive and regulative a priori. In this way, the paper will suggest that despite Rovelli's refutation of Kant's interpretation of space and time, he seems, at least implicitly, to hold to a couple of neo-Kantian assumptions: (i) the usage of constitutive a priori principles such as granularity, indeterminism and partially relation, (ii) and the claim for functionalism as a rule in ordering the 'appearances'.
My paper aims to show that "memory" is the basic form of "natural experience". It surveys two lev... more My paper aims to show that "memory" is the basic form of "natural experience". It surveys two levels of the definition of memory: on the one hand, it deals with its phenomenological determination, which I mean to be compatible with neurophysiology and palaeoanthropology; on the other hand, it tackles the phenomenon of "exteriorization", which I understand to be the specific feature of human memory. I will prove that exteriorization consists of the capacity of a given symbolic language to reproduce itself and I will show that this is a shared attitude to language and mathematics. I will also argue that exteriorization is solely possible in respect of continuity, in order to establish the intertwining of memory and continuity. *** Introduzione Il presente saggio intende analizzare il ruolo della memoria nella formazione dell'esperienza umana e, più in generale, individuare i caratteri principali di una fenomenologia dell'esperienza naturale come stadio che precede l'esperienza scientifica propriamente detta. Il punto di partenza da cui muoverà l'indagine è costituito dall'analisi del concetto di «catena operativa» in André Leroi-Gourhan e dalla definizione fenomenologica di «memoria» come rielaborazione dei diversi pattern operazionali. Ciò essenzialmente per due motivi: 1) il primo concerne la definizione della memoria come dispositivo che regola l'adattamento dell'uomo al suo ambiente; 2) il secondo riguarda la centralità del fenomeno dell'esteriorizzazione come cifra dell'evoluzione umana. In secondo luogo, il saggio proverà a fornire una comprensione di base del concetto di «esperienza naturale» e a soppesare l'influenza della matematica e del linguaggio sulla sua stessa determinazione; in particolare, proverà a studiare l'integrazione dell'originario strato non-linguistico dell'esperienza naturale, vale a dire l'intuizione matematica
In the following paper, the author will try to test the meaning of the transcendental approach in... more In the following paper, the author will try to test the meaning of the transcendental approach in respect of the inner changes implied by the idea of quantum gravity. He will firstly describe the basic methodological Kant’s aim, viz. the grounding of a meta-science of physics as the a priori corpus of physical knowledge. After that, he will take into account the problematic physical and philosophical relationship between the theory of relativity and the quantum mechanics; in showing how the elementary ontological and epistemological assumptions of experience result to be changed within them, he will also show the further modifications occurred in the development of the loop quantum gravity. He will particularly focus on the tough problem of the relationship space-matter, in order to settle the decisive question about the possibility of keeping a transcendental approach in the light of quantum gravity. He will positively answer by recalling Cassirer’s theory of the invariants of experience, although he will also add some problematic issues arising from the new physical context.
The following paper will examine Cassirer’s interpretation of the theory
of relativity. The main ... more The following paper will examine Cassirer’s interpretation of the theory of relativity. The main philosophical question which has to be asked is the following: is the transcendental constitution of space and time still valid in order to describe the real constitution of scientific experience? Must the results of special and general relativity necessarily negate the old Kantian structure? Einstein’s theory should indeed be conceived as a general reformulation of the conditions of possibility of scientific experience on the basis of a new metrology, which seems to contrast Kant’s own point of view, primarily when we consider the fact that the determination of those conditions as such exclusively pertains to physics, when, as is well known, they are conceived of by Kant and his scholars as intellectual functions. Accordingly, if we say Einstein is entirely right, the risk will consist of completely misjudging transcendental Leistung, which, moreover, would be declared completely superfluous in determining experience. Cassirer’s interpretation is quite clear on the latter point: the theory of relativity falls on the ground of transcendental philosophy, since the preliminary physical determination must be prefaced with an analysis of the judgements we use to express the main physical notions, for instance, the famous ‘simultaneity’: even if the physical definition of simultaneity must be established solely in the field of physics, considering the limitations implied by the speed of light, a preliminary assumption regarding the concept of a “normal” definition of simultaneity is required, which depends upon some invariable functions of the intellect. Through this interpretation, and notwithstanding the endorsement of the empirical side of relativity, the priority of a pure transcendental moment against the first stratum of a physical determination must be upheld. In arguing the renewed necessity of this quite standard transcendental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view dental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz. Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
In the present paper, the author aims at laying the foundations of a symbolics of technical gestu... more In the present paper, the author aims at laying the foundations of a symbolics of technical gesture, according to the thesis that symbolic faculty is another face of the technological one, and that they are both in truth two sides of the same coin. Accordingly, the author suggests to rename the whole dimension as “meta-environmentality”. The analysis is carried out on the basis of a specific comparison between Cassirer’s definition of “animal symbolicum” and its scientific consistence in the light of modern palaeontology. “Animal symbolicum” is here compared with Leroi-Gourhan’s homo technologicus, and Cassirer’s ideas on human identity tested starting from paleoanthropological data. The result of the inquiry lead us to recognize the urgency of integrating Cassirer’s argument with the primacy of the technological capacity, but a deep analysis of the characterizing attributes of the latter compels us to uphold the symbolic attitude of the technological dimension. The author then sketches a basic description of the guidelines of a symbolic theory of technology (especially §§ 6-7), and tries to show how the basic elements of such an approach were familiar both to Cassirer and Leroi-Gourhan. As a consequence of the whole theory, the author elaborates a chronological analysis of human identity, whose basic result is the determination of the future as main temporal dimension of human acting.
L'articolo intende fornire un'analisi di base della lettura cassireriana della biologia, con part... more L'articolo intende fornire un'analisi di base della lettura cassireriana della biologia, con particolare riferimento all'evoluzionismo e ai fondamenti della scienza paleontologica. In chiave teorica, la proposta principale è quella di interpretare la paleoantropologia come scienza trascendentale dell'uomo
L'intervento propone una peculiare demarcazione fra filosofico e politico nel pensiero greco anti... more L'intervento propone una peculiare demarcazione fra filosofico e politico nel pensiero greco antico, con particolare attenzione a Eraclito, Tucidide e Platone. La tesi di fondo è che il rapporto fra filosofia e politica viva un'ambivalenza, dovuta al fatto che il filosofo è, da un lato, il custode dello spazio del nomos, e quindi è la sua pratica che, sotto un certo aspetto, garantisce il significato della vita pubblica e la sua stessa costituzione concettuale, ma, dall'altro, la natura del suo sapere avanza costantemente una richiesta di trascendimento delle istanze a questa vita connesse.
The following paper would concern with the problem of technology in Heidegger's and Heisenberg's ... more The following paper would concern with the problem of technology in Heidegger's and Heisenberg's thought. It will show the difference between the two point of views as much the very same approach in arguing and answering to the question of technology. Indeed, the core of both answers will be shown in the determination of the problem of art.
This paper examines
the deeper philosophical core of Heisenbergs thought. This core is regarded ... more This paper examines the deeper philosophical core of Heisenbergs thought. This core is regarded as a part of the reflection on the ontological problem raised by the modern physics, and, in particular, by the quantum mechanics. Two main aspects of it have been detected: an early representation of the theory-reality problem and the ontological question about the essence and the nature of mathematical knowledge. By highlighting two important and very different Heisenbergs positions about the latter topic, a general point of view on the whole argument is made clear.
Il presente volume, che intende approfondire l'interpretazione di Ernst Cassirer della matematica... more Il presente volume, che intende approfondire l'interpretazione di Ernst Cassirer della matematica e il suo significato speculativo, intreccia fra loro diverse tracce ermeneutiche: la storia della matematica, la disputa su Leibniz, cui hanno partecipato Russell e Couturat, la questione di uno hegelismo della «cattiva infinità», come opzione di fondo del sistema, e il problema dell'esternalità. In ultima analisi, è messa in discussione la validità trascendentale dell'approccio della teoria degli invarianti dell'esperienza.
Il capitolo espone in maniera circostanziata le istanze principali della storia dell'astronomia d... more Il capitolo espone in maniera circostanziata le istanze principali della storia dell'astronomia da Platone a Simplicio, cercando di offrirne una interpretazione epistemologica complessiva.
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Papers by Luigi Laino
«world» in relativity theory. I have shown that despite the objectification implied by
the unification of space and time (section one), subjective conditions are still relevant
for the construction of spacetime. Therefore, I have tackled Weyl’s and Eddington’s
interpretations of relativity in the second section. Weyl, influenced by Husserl,
endorsed the vision that local reality is built via the temporal form of consciousness.
Although with less famous philosophical references, Eddington peculiarly sided with
idealistic trends. He defined the physical world as the description of events or objects
from the standpoint of no one in particular. Therefore, world-geometry, that is,
spacetime diagrams and the geometry adopted in relativity, is conceived regardless
of its actualizations. However, it turned out that the mind imposes its demands (such
as permanence or contiguity) on the physical world and that measurements set up
particular conditions. Finally, I have tried to revise these statements in light of the
contemporary debate in the philosophy of physics and neuroscience. I have shown that
the world, conceived of as local reality, should be studied by combining assumptions
on the nature of the mind or brain with the physical properties of signals.
monographs contributed eminently. This task is important both historically and epistemologically.
In fact, their interpretations represented the apexes, at least at that time, of
the logicist and the neo-Kantian philosophies of mathematics; on the other hand, they
also paved the way for later developments of the discussion on the foundations of mathematics.
The paper is divided into five sections. The first contains a brief introduction. In
the second and third parts, I present Russell’s and Cassirer’s works to explain why they
maintained that mathematics is synthetic. In the fourth section, I compare and contrast
the reviews that they wrote about their books. Finally, in the fifth section, I propose a
perspectivist interpretation of the dispute.
be changed within them, he will also show the further modifications occurred in the development of the loop quantum gravity. He will particularly focus on the tough problem of the relationship space-matter, in order to settle the decisive question about the possibility of keeping a transcendental approach in the light of quantum gravity. He will positively answer by recalling Cassirer’s theory of the invariants of experience, although he will also add some problematic issues arising from the new physical context.
of relativity. The main philosophical question which has to be asked is the following: is the transcendental constitution of space and time still valid in order to describe the real constitution of scientific experience? Must the results of special and general relativity necessarily negate the old Kantian structure? Einstein’s theory should indeed be conceived as a general reformulation of the conditions of possibility of scientific experience on the basis of a new metrology, which seems to
contrast Kant’s own point of view, primarily when we consider the fact that the determination of those conditions as such exclusively pertains to physics, when, as is well known, they are conceived of by Kant and his scholars as intellectual functions. Accordingly, if we say Einstein is entirely right, the risk will consist of completely misjudging transcendental Leistung, which, moreover, would be declared completely superfluous in determining experience. Cassirer’s interpretation is quite clear on the latter point: the theory of relativity falls on the ground of
transcendental philosophy, since the preliminary physical determination must be prefaced with an analysis of the judgements we use to express the main physical notions, for instance, the famous ‘simultaneity’: even if the physical definition of simultaneity must be established solely in the field of physics, considering the limitations implied by the speed of light, a preliminary assumption regarding the concept of a “normal” definition of simultaneity is required, which depends upon some invariable functions of the intellect. Through this interpretation, and
notwithstanding the endorsement of the empirical side of relativity, the priority of a pure transcendental moment against the first stratum of a physical determination must be upheld. In arguing the renewed necessity of this quite standard transcendental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view
dental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz. Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
the deeper philosophical core of Heisenbergs thought. This core is regarded as a part
of the reflection on the ontological problem raised by the modern physics, and, in particular,
by the quantum mechanics. Two main aspects of it have been detected: an early representation
of the theory-reality problem and the ontological question about the essence and the nature of
mathematical knowledge. By highlighting two important and very different Heisenbergs positions
about the latter topic, a general point of view on the whole argument is made clear.
Books by Luigi Laino
«world» in relativity theory. I have shown that despite the objectification implied by
the unification of space and time (section one), subjective conditions are still relevant
for the construction of spacetime. Therefore, I have tackled Weyl’s and Eddington’s
interpretations of relativity in the second section. Weyl, influenced by Husserl,
endorsed the vision that local reality is built via the temporal form of consciousness.
Although with less famous philosophical references, Eddington peculiarly sided with
idealistic trends. He defined the physical world as the description of events or objects
from the standpoint of no one in particular. Therefore, world-geometry, that is,
spacetime diagrams and the geometry adopted in relativity, is conceived regardless
of its actualizations. However, it turned out that the mind imposes its demands (such
as permanence or contiguity) on the physical world and that measurements set up
particular conditions. Finally, I have tried to revise these statements in light of the
contemporary debate in the philosophy of physics and neuroscience. I have shown that
the world, conceived of as local reality, should be studied by combining assumptions
on the nature of the mind or brain with the physical properties of signals.
monographs contributed eminently. This task is important both historically and epistemologically.
In fact, their interpretations represented the apexes, at least at that time, of
the logicist and the neo-Kantian philosophies of mathematics; on the other hand, they
also paved the way for later developments of the discussion on the foundations of mathematics.
The paper is divided into five sections. The first contains a brief introduction. In
the second and third parts, I present Russell’s and Cassirer’s works to explain why they
maintained that mathematics is synthetic. In the fourth section, I compare and contrast
the reviews that they wrote about their books. Finally, in the fifth section, I propose a
perspectivist interpretation of the dispute.
be changed within them, he will also show the further modifications occurred in the development of the loop quantum gravity. He will particularly focus on the tough problem of the relationship space-matter, in order to settle the decisive question about the possibility of keeping a transcendental approach in the light of quantum gravity. He will positively answer by recalling Cassirer’s theory of the invariants of experience, although he will also add some problematic issues arising from the new physical context.
of relativity. The main philosophical question which has to be asked is the following: is the transcendental constitution of space and time still valid in order to describe the real constitution of scientific experience? Must the results of special and general relativity necessarily negate the old Kantian structure? Einstein’s theory should indeed be conceived as a general reformulation of the conditions of possibility of scientific experience on the basis of a new metrology, which seems to
contrast Kant’s own point of view, primarily when we consider the fact that the determination of those conditions as such exclusively pertains to physics, when, as is well known, they are conceived of by Kant and his scholars as intellectual functions. Accordingly, if we say Einstein is entirely right, the risk will consist of completely misjudging transcendental Leistung, which, moreover, would be declared completely superfluous in determining experience. Cassirer’s interpretation is quite clear on the latter point: the theory of relativity falls on the ground of
transcendental philosophy, since the preliminary physical determination must be prefaced with an analysis of the judgements we use to express the main physical notions, for instance, the famous ‘simultaneity’: even if the physical definition of simultaneity must be established solely in the field of physics, considering the limitations implied by the speed of light, a preliminary assumption regarding the concept of a “normal” definition of simultaneity is required, which depends upon some invariable functions of the intellect. Through this interpretation, and
notwithstanding the endorsement of the empirical side of relativity, the priority of a pure transcendental moment against the first stratum of a physical determination must be upheld. In arguing the renewed necessity of this quite standard transcendental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view
dental approach, I will try a peculiar comparison between Cassirer’s point of view and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz. Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and two of the most important theories of experience of the 20th century, viz Husserl’s theory of Lebenswelt and the description of experimental reality attempted by the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
the deeper philosophical core of Heisenbergs thought. This core is regarded as a part
of the reflection on the ontological problem raised by the modern physics, and, in particular,
by the quantum mechanics. Two main aspects of it have been detected: an early representation
of the theory-reality problem and the ontological question about the essence and the nature of
mathematical knowledge. By highlighting two important and very different Heisenbergs positions
about the latter topic, a general point of view on the whole argument is made clear.