The emergence of new concepts in science

Abstract

s we begin this chapter let us recall the distinction between the micro and macro-changes in science, as discussed in Chap. 1 of this volume and in the book Creative Space (Wierzbicki and Nakamori 2006a). As we know, there is no direct connection in time between revolutionary changes in technology and macro-changes in science. For example, Guttenberg's printing technique or Watt's development of the steam-engine, both revolutionary from a technological point of view, did not require any simultaneous revolutionary change in science. However, it would not have been possible to develop modern digital computer technology without previous macrochanges in science, such as the emergence of quantum mechanics. Also, it would not have been possible to make an expedition to the Moon without the prior Copernican or Newtonian scientific revolutions. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.