Research On Epicurus’ Science Axiology

In the hundred year" evolution of philosophy of science, philosophy gradually takes prudent attitude to science throughout the contest between defense and criticism. In addition, science and technology have imperceptibly permeated every aspect of social life at an alarming rate in the big-data era, and human beings is taking advantage of the science and technology while he is controlled by it. A series of problems has become the obstacle to achieve the common aspiration of’poetic dwelling’which was written by poet Holderlin, such as the recession of consciousness, alienation of interpersonal relationship and aggravation of ecological crisis. The theory of scientific value is the focus of the academic community because it involves these topics like "whether science load value", "ethics of science and technology", "the interaction among science, technology and society", but the related researches are always constrained by traditional view of science philosophy so that the exploration of scientific value in Greek natural philosophy has nearly been neglected. The science philosophy research on Epicurus of hellenistic age who is called "garden philosopher" is the same. Therefore, the study which is to present the thought of Epicurus’science axiology with scientific value as its basic framework, will not only make up for the lack of research on scientific value of Epicurus, but also further improve the axiology of philosophy of science, and be beneficial to the modernity construction of Greek philosophy as well.In the context of hellenistic age, this article reasonably uses the research techniques including the literature research method, logic consistent with history approach, the combination of theory and practice. Based on a comprehensive inspection of Epicurus’incomplete works, we have carefully discussed the scientific value theory in his natural philosophy, and as far as possible make it systematic. Then we deeply analyzed the logic method and concrete means of how to practice Epicurus’ science axiology from scientific methodology horizon. Finally we pointed out that scientific value theory of Epicurus has modernity enlightenment in his spiritual treasury. Thus, the main conclusions are as follows:Firstly, there is a very close correlation between the ethos of Epicurus’philosophy (i.e., the ethical turn and reality orientation, therapeutic properties and the fusion of logos and faith) and the social features of hellenistic age; Secondly, the core of Epicurus’natural philosophy is tobring the value dimension into scientific knowledge from the science axiology perspective, which is to implement the "rough and stubborn" desire, to appeal for no pain of body and mind, and to achieve the integration and transcendence of physical hedonism and rational asceticism; Thirdly, since natural philosophy is an essential way to realize the’good life’ which is centered on happy, Epicurus attaches importance to the progress of natural science, to some extent, his methodological principle is coupled to the demarcation criterion of logical positivism, the economy principle of scientific knowledge spread and the paradigm of multiple explanation; Fourthly, on the one hand, this study has double theoretical significance which can reshape the scientific character of Epicurus’philosophy and expand problem domain of scientific value, on the other hand, it has modern direction which is connected to the physicalism, humanism and ecological philosophy.