The beginnings of natural sciences and humanities in antiquity were shared, but by the end of the 19th century, the natural sciences had developed dominantly through their successes. In response to this dominance, the philosopher Wilhelm Dilthey coined the term Geisteswissenschaften (humanities) in 1883. On the other hand, it was clear in the natural sciences that entire areas of the mind were inaccessible to them, such as sensory experiences and consciousness.

This book attempts to show that this sharp divide has softened. Physics has become more intellectual, and the...