The Dialectic between Humanistic and Scientific Knowledge

Traces of a Historical Journey

Abstract

In its attempt to establish its identity as an autonomous form of knowing vis-à-vis philosophy of theology, the modern science emerging in the sixteenth century gave rise to a dialectic among the forms of knowledge that has characterised Western culture right up to today. In this article some of the main historical developments and theoretical issues are summarized briefly. In the past four centuries of trying to establish the relationships
that exist between scientific and humanistic forms of knowledge, an increasing fragmentation of culture has been produced with the result that different fields of knowledge tend still today to live independently of one another. The greatest contemporary challenge and calling to universities is that of overcoming this cultural situation through an authentic dialogue between humanistic and scientific forms of knowledge, a dialogue that can contribute to overcoming the difficulties of the past, and lead human consciousness forward towards a united way of knowing.