Philosophy and Science

H.B. Paksoy

All flavors of scientists endeavor mightily to transmit the excitement of their fields to others; especially to the future generations. This is hardly the case with humanities. Therefore, what follows may be considered as an initial step in that direction. Often heard is the phrase “that is philosophical.” How many individuals, even momentarily, pause to consider what ‘that phrase’ means? And, having done so, what is understood by it? Generally, for example, philosophers, when they are writing about the field, begin by the history of the field and the ensuing branches. First, we need to remind ourselves what the word philosophy means.

In the beginning there was philosophy, before individual fields of knowledge began breaking off, one after the other, to establish their own paths independent of the mother discipline. This continued until there was nothing else that can stand all by itself as ‘knowledge.’ At this point, two movements may be observed: 1) A serious effort by Wittgenstein to kill philosophy outright; 2) A number of individuals starting the ‘theory’ movement that sought to philosophize, without using the term.

Somehow, philosophy did not expire, perhaps based on the strength of the past writings of philosophers. Titles ranging from “philosophy of physics” to “philosophy of sociology” began appearing. And, along those lines, “Metaphilosophy” was also observed. It seems to endeavor to explain philosophy itself. In the other corner, the ‘science of sciences’ may still be missing, and for good reason.

We can also note, with a moment of curiosity, that Professorships of Natural Philosophy, originally established with appropriate endowments, are still alive in some of the oldest universities in existence. The holders of those chairs are always distinguished scientists, working toward an understanding of the inner workings of nature by means of theoretical as well as applied sciences.

There are libraries full of Texas arcana, published since the establishment of the Republic of Texas in (1836-1846). Most are recollections of individuals or collected oral narratives. They can also be dry records of military unit movements, accounts (real or imagined) of the Battle of the Alamo, or the memoirs of Mavericks; Samuel or others. Yes, Samuel Maverick (1803–1870) was a real person who refused to brand his cattle, and gave his name to those actions outside the usual, since 1867.

The early pioneers had to contend with the harsh climactic and natural conditions as well as each other. As part of those difficulties, Texas books still carry laws such as no-one can carry a wire-cutter in their back-pockets; because only cattle rustlers and horse-thieves used a wire-cutter. Though, the law does not say, if a pair of wire-cutters can be carried in the front pockets.

To place the development of a distinct Texas philosophy, one must delineate Texas. It is an American Indian word, presumably meaning ‘friendship.’ Even though the word is taken from American Natives, it is mighty difficult to find that Native culture today, or the descendents of that culture.

At the time of the “Texas Revolution,” the area today known as Texas was part of the Mexican Empire, with the capital located in Mexico City. A couple of American land-developers journeyed to Mexico City and obtained patents to bring Yanquie# settlers from the North (the United States of America), to populate the empty plains, as a business proposition. In short order, a new category of settlers called Texicans were formed. They were very instrumental in the independence of the Texas Movement, and suffered greatly when the Mexcian empire arrived in military force, due to their bridging Mexican and American cultures and debts.

In 1826, one of the land developers encouraged the settlers to secede from the Mexican Empire by declaring Independence. The ensuing Fredonian Republic was short lived, under the Military threats of the Mexican Government.

After the defeat at the Alamo, of the Texicans in the hands of the Mexican Army (1836), Texas Independence was practically assured, because the rest of the settlers were not going to accept submission to the Mexican empire. Individuals poured in from the United States and the final Independence battle was fought at San Jasinto.

Those events established some of the basics of Texas Philosophy as it still stands today. Texas is a place in the human mind, as much as an entity on the map.

Mother Nature endowed Texas with two kinds of mosquitoes: one is small enough to go through the mosquito netting, the other is large enough to open it. During the 19th century, even though the present day West Nile disease was not yet resident, other flying insect maladies were. Adding to that, Texas is large enough to support, simultaneously, five different climactic zones. For example, there are thicket forests and swamplands in the North-East; while deserts occupy the far West, with meadows in the middle. The highest point is quite close (by Texas standards) to the Mexican border—delineated by the Rio Grande river.

Many of the towns were established as the out-growths of Military Forts of the United States Army. It could also be asserted that the Colt .45 gauge revolver (11.43 mm) gained international favor, after Texas Navy placed the first commercial contract with the company. Later on, basically, the same gun was also issued to the famed Texas Rangers. It proved to be a potent firearm, with a rather prudent safety. The trigger was concealed, until the gun was cocked to fire.

The later image of Texas owes much to the Hollywood movies made in the state of California; often shot in California. The scenarios include the large oil well fields, monstrous oil-well gushers, as well as very large cattle drives of the unique Texas Longhorn, associated range wars, influence of the barbed wire being introduced, separating the properties of cattle barons. For heaven’s sakes, let us not also forget the rampant white bigotry.

When there is money around, politics cannot be too far away. As the saying goes: “if you want to earn a million dollars, become a merchant; If your aim is to amass a billion, go into politics. More than that, start a war.” Accordingly, Texas reared, and attracted, colorful governors and congressional delegations. Propaganda magically appears to be supporting the dreams and realities on the ground. One of the recent examples may be found in the wildly popular popularizer, TV series Dallas.

The purpose here is not to write a history of Texas, but to provide an overview of conditions before pondering the almost miraculous results. The population of Texas seems to be three million at the beginning of the 20th century. One hundred and ten years later, it is estimated to be twenty five million. That suggests an in-migration as opposed to simple biological increase. That in-migration was from a slew of very different ethnic origins. Naturally, each ethnicity had (and still enjoy) different religious beliefs. Those were not always compatible with each other, and inimical can they be. So, what was the glue that held up Texas, and became a state of the United States?

So far, we dwelled primarily on the philosophy. None of which would have been possible without the science. Who does science, and how? The simple answer is, mostly by those working and teaching in universities. The leadership of the state, without regarding the specialized knowledge fields they belong, whether philosophical, military and political, saw the need to establish a university in 1827, years before the Texas Independence. Shortly after the Independence, two rival state universities were founded. The founders knew the benefits of friendly competition would push both institutions toward excellence. Consequently, they allocated the necessary monetary resources toward that end. Today, there are four state university systems (each boasting several camouses) in the state of Texas, each serving the functions assigned them.

What did the State of Texas gain in return for their early investment into science? One can easily assert the training of politicians that always supported every opportunity to make money for themselves, as well as the State. Since there cannot be a state with clout without money and other resources, and other resources require specialized skills, the universities supplied the engineers and the scientists. And the rest were attracted to the state from other states for the opportunity. As a result, the state now boasts an independent economy, as world leader in several industries. All this accomplishment was recorded in a little over a century-and-a-half time span, starting from a complete standstill. Now the science created in the state is fast becoming a world leader in its own right.

What about the humanities, as mentioned in the very beginning? Education, as understood, is quite different than training. As the terminology and wording clearly indicates, a biological body can be trained to perform certain functions; even without thinking. Education first and foremost always required considered thought, and formulation of cause and effect. Neither is above the other in value, for a medical doctor needs to be trained in order to keep the educated and otherwise equipped healthy. Everyone has a place in a successful economy. Without a healthy economy, one can hardly think about the formation and sustenance of a polity or a state. For that reason, politics, philosophy and economics (abbreviated as PPE) were bundled as a single degree program as an undergraduate degree in Europe. As Texas began looking around for ways to compete in the world markets, the leaders in communities sought to establish contacts with the leaders in the universities and industries. Two fields were selected for additional investment: international management and the PPE programs. Why? The management of a healthy economy is crucially the first requirement to re-election to public offices in the state. That is the most pragmatic approach, and pragmatism may have been founded in Texas before Charles Peirce was born.

The objective here is not to engage in a debate over terms or disciplines. Texas exists because the founders wanted it to be a polity, and those joining in agreed with the founders. This is not any different than any other polity forming and continuing to live. If one is not willing to want, events will be forced upon them.

What were, and still continuing to be the factors, that made Texas? One can easily assert that it is a well defined combination of philosophy and science that underlies the possible answer. Are those terms definable? The clear response to that question is neither in science nor in philosophy. The answer resides in the minds and actions of the Texans. And they continually express their thoughts and emotions in a favorable manner in print as well as in live, personal performances. Yes, that also draws the ire of those who are not Texans. And what happens? Texas continues to thrive.

(11 Agustos 2010)

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