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Paradigms of Order in the Seventeenth Century: Intelligibility as Visibility

In: Machines, Bodies and Invisible Hands

Author

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  • Stefano Fiori

    (University of Torino)

Abstract

Smith’s concept of order and the notion of organization developed in the life sciences of his time differed from those philosophical and scientific conceptions that in the seventeenth century interpreted the intelligibility of natural and social phenomena in terms of visibility. These conceptions shared the idea that understanding complex phenomena depended on their visibility. The idea of intelligibility as visibility—examined in this chapter—was not a naïve conception. This idea emerged not as the immediate result of human observational capacities but as an effect of practical and theoretical approaches that could provide access to natural and social events. Technical, experimental and mathematical tools served this purpose. The more phenomena were correctly represented, the more they could be explained. Several metaphors provided arguments that strengthened this perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Fiori, 2021. "Paradigms of Order in the Seventeenth Century: Intelligibility as Visibility," Springer Books, in: Machines, Bodies and Invisible Hands, chapter 0, pages 111-134, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-030-85206-1_6
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85206-1_6
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