Edgar Wind on Experiment and Metaphysics

Abstract The paper presents a detailed interpretation of Edgar Wind’s Experiment and Metaphysics (1934), unique work on the philosophy physics which broke with Neo-Kantian tradition under influence American pragmatism. Taking up Cassirer’s physics, Wind develops holistic theory experiment constructivist account empirical facts. Based concept embodiment plays key role in later writings art history, he argues, however, that outcomes measurements are contingent. He then proposes an anti-Kantian conception metaphysics nature. For him, nature is unknown totality manifests itself discrepancies between theories experiment, hence formation can increasingly approximate structure It shown this view ambiguous transcendental, metaphysical realism Kant’s sense internal Putnam’s sense. central claim twentieth century offers new options for resolving cosmological antinomies. In particular, connected quantum indeterminism possibility human freedom, connection Cassirer sharply opposed.