This book explores the role of values in atomism and science and technology through the lens of Heisenberg’s Part and Whole. While Kurt’s argument denies the need for values in science and technology, I emphasise the importance of values in the relationship between humans and science and ethical issues.

Heisenberg’s book, ‘Parts and Whole,’ begins with a chapter called ‘The Encounter with Atomism,’ which recounts a discussion between Heisenberg and his friends in high school. Here, Heisenberg and his friend Robert discuss atomism, the idea that all matter has a final, indivisible, smallest unit, and that all matter can be decomposed into those very atoms. Another friend, Kurt, is critical of their method of discussion.

The intersection of scientific attitudes and philosophical considerations

Robert’s view of atomism is that what emerges when matter is divided is not an objectively fixed thing, but a kind of abstract representation of natural laws. This view is interesting because it suggests that science requires philosophical thinking that goes beyond mere experimental observation. Heisenberg refutes this with the example of a cat, arguing that what we see is not the cat itself, but the rays of light that emanate from it, i.e. the cat’s behaviour. This suggests that we should scientifically explore not only what we see directly, but also how it works.
Kurt criticises philosophical discussions such as this one for turning from a scientific discussion of simple empirical facts into an unnecessarily complex speculative discussion. Kurt’s philosophy here is more of an ideological preoccupation than a modern philosophy. He argues that proper scientific understanding is possible only when experiments are conducted purely without preconceptions, and that values are unnecessary in this process.

The need for values: the boundary between humanity and science

However, I’d like to offer a few rebuttals to Kurt’s argument. Science and technology will continue to evolve and will eventually reach the human realm. At that point, problems will emerge that cannot be solved by mere technological advances. For example, imagine building a human-like robot. Beyond just the technical elements, for a robot to act and think like a human, it must also embody human values. Without values, science and technology will not be able to solve these human problems.
Furthermore, the development of science and technology often raises ethical issues. For example, the question of how far to allow AI to make autonomous judgements is not only a technical issue, but also requires ethical and social considerations. This shows that as technology becomes more than just a tool and becomes more involved in human life, values become an essential factor. Values are the basis for assessing whether AI decisions are ethically justified and socially acceptable.

Changes in modern society and the role of science and technology

Unlike the past, modern society is resource-rich. Beyond simple survival, people demand better technology to fulfil their various needs. In the past, phones were only needed to make and receive calls. But now, people need more than that, which is a reflection of their values and expectations. These changes indicate that technology is inextricably linked to values in that it must reflect the needs of the times.
It is impossible to ignore these changes and view science and technology as a mere tool for development. As science and technology develops, it becomes more deeply involved in human life, and social and ethical values become essential in the process. Since technology itself cannot set the purpose, it is human values that set the purpose and guide the development of technology accordingly.

Conclusion

To summarise, Kurt’s argument that values are unnecessary for science and technology is a limited view. As science and technology develop, they become more closely connected to human life, and human values play an important role in guiding the development of science and technology. I am convinced that values will become more important as science and technology develop, and I think it is necessary to discuss the interaction between science and technology and values in the future.