Narrative and the Physical Sciences

Abstract

A fable is presented that depicts a view of the situation of science in a postmodern world. This is followed by a brief account of how a foundationalist interpretation of scientific epistemology emerged. The attack on foundationalist views of science by the history of science, philosophy of science and sociology of scientific knowledge leading to Rorty's return to narrative is reviewed. Possibilities for a postmodern science are considered. Two examples from the new science of chaos are used to indicate that science is utilizing narrative-like approaches and is adapting quite well to a postmodern world.