VASILY ROSANOV’S AND WERNER HEISENBERG’S VIEWS ON UNDERSTANDING OF NATURE

Abstract

Aim. To compare the views of Vasily Rozanov and Werner Heisenberg on the essence and possibilities of scientific understanding of nature. Methodology. The article provides a comparative analysis of Rozanov’s doctrine of understanding, developed by him in the works of the 1880s and 1890s, and Heisenberg’s philosophical works. Special attention is paid to the question of the reality of object of understanding and to relation of object and subject of understanding. Results. A significant similarity was revealed in the conclusions of Rozanov and Heisenberg regarding the essence of understanding of nature as the detection of rational structures of the world - the structures which have a special mode of existence as a potential being. It is shown, that both thinkers consider the understanding of nature to presuppose the discovery of hidden expediency which is in complementary relationship with causal determination. Research implications. The research results can be used to solve the problems of modern epistemology and methodology of science.