Professor Francisco Gallardo. PHOTO: Manuel Castells

The physicist and philosopher Francisco Gallardo, member of group of research 'Science, Reason and Faith' of the University of Navarra, analyzed during a seminar the integration between science and faith in the thought of the chemo-physicist and philosopher of science Michael Polanyi. The expert indicated that Polanyi is an example that "many scientists have been great humanists".

The professor of the School Ecclesiastical Philosophy reviewed the most important milestones of the biography and professional career of this Hungarian researcher , who passed through prestigious centers such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute (now high school Max Planck), the University of Manchester or Merton College (Oxford). "He dedicated himself professionally to experimental science, but began to combine it with social programs of study : the logic of freedom, the relationship with faith and society... Finally, in 1948, he focused on these last questions, which he had been considering during his previous career," he explained.

Science and religion: common ground and gradual specificity

Professor Gallardo commented that although Polanyi did not systematically address the relationship between science and religion, there are numerous references in his work: "For him, there is a common basis between the two and a gradual specificity. He brings an experiential perspective to knowledge: he considers science and religion to be human experiences that share the same foundation". He also added that Polanyi rejected subjectivism, considered the act of knowing as a commitment to reality and believed that faith - in the sense of trust - was at the root of all truth.

Francisco Gallardo recalled that Michael Polanyi has had a great influence in the Anglo-Saxon sphere, especially in the USA, and that he is frequently quoted in various fields such as the Theory of Science, the discussion science-religion, the Philosophy of Biology or Pedagogy.