Chapter 1: The Nature of Scientific Inquiry

Neuroscience is advancing significantly in its comprehension of the human brain, and there is every indication that this progress will persist. Yet, it faces an inherent limitation: the brain studying itself. A neuroscientist's investigations may only reveal insights into the brain's operations, such as respiration and heartbeat, which are crucial for human life. Ongoing experiments will continue to explore memory, language, habits, and addictions, leading to an ever-expanding body of knowledge. However, the question of why someone chooses to become a neuroscientist is beyond the reach of this discipline.

An analogous uncertainty exists in physics, particularly regarding reference frames. Albert Einstein articulated this idea:

"Every general law of nature must be structured such that it transforms into a law of identical form when substituting the space-time variables of the original coordinate system K with new space-time variables from a coordinate system K′."

This mathematical stipulation is essential to the theory of relativity, making it a valuable tool in the quest for universal natural laws. If any natural law fails to meet this criterion, it would challenge at least one of the two fundamental postulates of the theory: the relativity of reference frames and the constancy of the speed of light.

The first video, "Science of Subjectivity: Mapping the Landscape of the Psyche," delves into how subjective experiences shape our understanding of the mind and the implications for neuroscience.

In both neuroscience and physics, inquiries arise through observation, interpretation, and the formation of hypothetical answers. Experiments are designed to test these hypotheses, and if they yield consistent results, we regard them as established facts. Einstein cited classic experimental evidence as validation for his theory of relativity, including precise measurements of Mercury's orbit and predictions regarding the eclipse's shadow and light spectrum shifts.

Nevertheless, the ongoing conflict between quantum physics and relativity remains unresolved, raising questions about potential new understandings involving reference frames. For Einstein, the intrinsic uncertainty of quantum mechanics presented not only a theoretical dilemma but also a psychological one.

Section 1.1: The Personal Element in Scientific Observation

This brief overview in the philosophy of science highlights that a scientist's objectivity is inherently influenced by their personal engagement in the scientific process. The act of observation, measurement, and the insights that lead to questions all stem from an individual's consciousness. In essence, scientists cannot separate their personal experiences from their scientific endeavors.

Subsection 1.1.1: Human Awareness in Scientific Inquiry

Humans are not merely animals endowed with the basic awareness shared by many species. As Aristotle famously noted, humans are "rational animals," capable of self-reflection and driven by the desire to inquire and learn.

Chapter 2: The Value of Science Amid Subjectivity

Science plays a pivotal role in our society, relying on individuals who are fundamentally human, complete with their subjectivities. The notion that objectivity arises from subjectivity does not undermine the significance of science; rather, it emphasizes the importance for scientists to engage with their own consciousness and experiences.

The second video, "Bruno Latour – The Subjectivity of Science and the Delusion of 'Modernity,'" discusses the interplay between scientific objectivity and the subjective influences that shape scientific knowledge.