The Nature of Scientific Cognition in the Thought of Marian Borowski

Abstract

The article presents the approach of Marian Borowski to the nature of scientific cognition. It points to the dependence of his views on the assumptions of the theory of science proposed by Kazimierz Twardowski, the founder of the Lvov-Warsaw School. It is also emphasized that Borowski’s approach was largely reminiscent of the concept of science shaped at the turn of the 19^th and 20^th centuries by representatives of the Warsaw scientific milieu. When it comes to the presented issues, Przegląd Filozoficzny (Philosophical Review) was a central periodical which published works on the nature of scientific cognition. Such inspirations are visible in Borowski’s detailed analyses on the nature of science, considering its cognitive competences, methodological problems and issues related to the structure of scientific knowledge. The article presents the matter of mutual relationships, both methodological and subject-matter-related, between philosophy and science. Developing Twardowski’s theory of science, Borowski believed it was possible to pursue scientific philosophy. It is also emphasized, however, that at the same time he recognized a certain research autonomy of philosophy in relation to the tasks and aims of particular humanities and natural sciences.