Scientific Truth or Truthful Science? Reflection of Emanuel Rádl’s Works in Czech Philosophy

Abstract

Scientific Truth or Truthful Science? Reflection of Emanuel Rádl’s Works in Czech Philosophy. – Emanuel Rádl, a prominent naturalist and Czech philosopher in early 20th century, in his time had to deal with the influence of positivism on the thinking of not only scientific, but also philosophical and general knowledge as a basis for political activity. He attained original concept of truth, which is the inner character of all reality, and under this concept all the natural and social features are governed by the same rule of moral law. His intellectual efforts have been fruitful in terms of methodology, contributed to the development of scientific theories; in the social and political field Rádl brightly analyzed the effects of the present developments and anticipated future scenarios (which had not then been appreciated). However, if the science and philosophy should take its share of responsibility for the state of today’s world, Rádl’s work could once again become an inspiration in particular for shaping the relationship between science and morality.