How has philosophy encouraged astronomical research?

In this book, Martens briefly discusses how Kepler’s philosophical ideas plays a major role in today’s astronomy due to concepts he understood that extended well beyond science. This was an interesting topic to explore because it brought to attention the fact that Kepler often referred to those who were necessarily involved in the scientific world. This is most likely due to the fact that he was marked by incredible misfortune. His life before scientific  discovery may have encouraged his interest in philosophy and science because he began looking for explanations to his lack of financial and emotional stability. Kepler focused on establish rationale rather than randomizing predictions.

As I read this, although it was briefly discussed, I asked myself: “But WHO did Kepler get his ideas from?” Further research proved that Kepler, respectively, referred to the philosophical aspects of Aristotle and Plato, being that he studied them in college along with astronomy.

Isn’t it amazing how philosophers could have play, no not directly, BUT at least  a small role in the establishment of programs like NASA and other space programs that are derived from the ideas of men like Kepler?

Source(s):

Kepler’s Philosophy and the New Astronomy by Rhonda Martens

**This source was found on Google Scholar**