Abstract

Written by a former student and friend of Michael Polanyi, this book is an excellent introduction to Polanyi’s philosophical thought. Although it is written with a sympathetic appreciation of Polanyi’s philosophical contribution, it is neither simplistic, merely stringing together quotations from the subject of the study, nor uncritical. It is not intended as an in-depth study, but at the same time, it considers with seriousness Polanyi’s role on the recent philosophical scene, including his relationship to both analytic philosophy as well as continental developments of gestalt psychology, phenomenology, and existentialism. Polanyi’s contribution to science is analyzed followed by a consideration of his change of emphasis from science to philosophy, philosophy of science, and social philosophy.