Should epistemology and philosophy of science turn to empirical facts?

Abstract

Participants in the discussion about the empiricism of modern epistemology Vladimir N. Porus, Nataliya I. Kuznetsova, Zhan K. Zagidullin, Vladislav A. Lektorsky comment on each other’s positions, pointing out the strong and weak points in their justification, agreeing on a number of issues, designating the theses and arguments that are fundamental for their positions, groping for prospects for the further development of the discussed issues. The discussion raises topics related to the prospects for the development of modern epistemology and philosophy of science, with the role of empirical facts and empirics in researching modern scientific knowledge, the problem of the development of the tools and conceptual apparatus of the epistemologist, normative and descriptive attitudes in epistemology and how they help or hinder leading dialogue between philosophers and scientists.