Bricks and Boxes

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction and synopsis of the entire book. It begins by presenting the traditional “brick-by-brick” conception of scientific knowledge, discussing its shortcomings. Next, a puzzle is raised: why hasn’t this old-fashioned characterization been replaced? There are currently two competing models of science: reductionism and antireductionism. Neither provides an accurate depiction of the productive interaction between knowledge and ignorance, supplanting the old image of the wall. The chapter then presents the conceptual heart of the constructive proposal developed here: the black box. The final sections of the chapter sketch a synopsis of the book, and address its aim and scope.