Home – Home – Jornals – Philosophy of Sciences 2016 number 1

The paper analyses specific aspects of geological research. It is possible to connect them with using hermeneutical and historical procedures that extends and adds classical ideas about natural-scientific cognition. The theoretical basis of the paper is the research work of American scientist R. Frodeman. Geological cognition in a field investigation is a similar to text interpretation. There is no any prefabricated geological outcrop in a laboratory. Geologist has to choose substantial object for research by himself basing on knowledge. Geological outcrop is clearer in a general geological environment of region, area. In other words, the scientist is consistent with surrounding context. This approach leads to affirmation that geologist has two or more has several types of interpretation. Therefore, every geologist can make different conclusions. It is significant to admit that experiment cannot find any solution about genesis of geological solids. Because geological solids has being forming during millions years in a generous area. Chemical and physical experiments are just an element of interpretation or “reading” of the geological conditions in an area, which defines the properties of minerals, rock. On the assumption of this theory, the geology is a science, which has an object of investigation as the natural world, and at the same time uses methods of humanitarian knowledge including hermeneutic and historical procedures.