Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Amir Ehsan Karbasizadeh ¹
• Iman Forootan ²

¹ Philosophy Dept. of University of Isfahan

² graduated student of University of Isfahan

Abstract

Gaston Bachelard introduced the concept of epistemological obstacles, which he believed hindered the progress of modern science. Georges Canguilhem, his successor, agreed on their negative impact but also attributed epistemological value to them. This paper explores why Canguilhem included these obstacles in his historiography and assigned them value. Focusing on medicine and biology, the paper reveals that Canguilhem saw epistemological obstacles as central to his epistemology. They are not just impediments but can also foster scientific development by providing conditions for new scientific frameworks. The paper argues that these obstacles play a dual role: critically challenging pre-scientific mindsets and creatively integrating past concepts into modern science, thus facilitating continuous scientific progress.

Keywords

• epistemological Obstacles
• historiography of science
• epistemological discontinuities
• scientific change