ABSTRACT We discuss the problems of consensus and unity in science. The natural sciences seem to contrast with many other areas of endeavor in that a high level of consensus seems to exist in them. However, a careful analysis of the structure of particular physical theories, such as those concerned with electrons, shows that there is great heterogeneity of both theory and methodology. We argue that the natural science community tends to be tolerant of diversity. We contrast this tolerance among natural scientists with the more overt disagreement occurring in the social sciences and humanities. Our central theme is that many intellectual problems arise from straining too hard to make a successful perspective into a total worldview. Nothing comes to pass in nature, which can be set down to a flaw therein: for nature is always the same, and everywhere one and the same in her efficacy and power of action; that is, nature's laws and ordinances, whereby all things come to pass and change from one form to another, are everywhere and always the same; so that there should be one and the same method of understanding the nature of all things whatsoever, namely, through nature's universal laws and rules -SPINOZ
