Hegel on Mathematics and Experimental Science

Abstract

It has often been said that the experimental method was not properly appreciated by the German idealists. Schelling and Hegel did not do much experimenting, and in their writings make little mention of experimental results. If they do happen to take note of such results, they tend to miss the point of searching for mathematical connections between measurable quantities and to interpret the outcome of the work in a qualitative manner. Hegel, moreover, is extremely critical of the whole Newtonian conception of expeimental philosophy. He does, however, appear to be aware of the advantages the experimental method has over crude empiricism.