Polanyi aims to show that science must be understood as a community of inquirers held together by a common faith; science, he argues, is not the use of 'scientific methods' but rather consists in a discipline imposed by scientists on themselves in the interest of discovering an objective, impersonal truth.

"Knowing and Being: Essays by Michael Polanyi," edited by Marjorie Grene, is a collection of fourteen essays that showcase the evolution of Polanyi's theory of knowledge. The first part addresses the tension between the pursuit of truth and the nature of truth itself, advocating for a redefined epistemology that acknowledges the inherent 'groping' involved in problem recognition. The second section critiques the incompatibility of centralization with scientific practice and examines the roles of tradition and authority in science. The third part delves into the concept of tacit knowing, emphasizing its fundamental role in all intelligent behavior. The final section explores the relationship between mind and living organisms, proposing a theory that bridges the gap between internal clues and external evidence. This compilation reflects Polanyi's significant contributions to philosophy, particularly in epistemology and the philosophy of science.