Understanding Philosophy of Science

Front Cover
Psychology Press, 2002 - Philosophy - 290 pages

Few can imagine a world without telephones or televisions; many depend on computers and the Internet as part of daily life. Without scientific theory, these developments would not have been possible.

In this exceptionally clear and engaging introduction to philosophy of science, James Ladyman explores the philosophical questions that arise when we reflect on the nature of the scientific method and the knowledge it produces. He discusses whether fundamental philosophical questions about knowledge and reality might be answered by science, and considers in detail the debate between realists and antirealists about the extent of scientific knowledge. Along the way, central topics in philosophy of science, such as the demarcation of science from non-science, induction, confirmation and falsification, the relationship between theory and observation and relativism are all addressed. Important and complex current debates over underdetermination, inference to the best explaination and the implications of radical theory change are clarified and clearly explained for those new to the subject.

 

Contents

VI
11
VII
14
VIII
18
IX
27
X
30
XI
31
XII
32
XIII
40
XXXIII
118
XXXIV
123
XXXV
127
XXXVI
129
XXXVII
131
XXXVIII
138
XXXIX
146
XL
158

XIV
52
XV
56
XVI
58
XVII
61
XVIII
62
XIX
64
XX
69
XXI
74
XXII
77
XXIII
81
XXIV
89
XXV
91
XXVI
93
XXVII
94
XXVIII
96
XXIX
98
XXX
105
XXXI
109
XXXII
115
XLI
159
XLII
160
XLIII
162
XLV
185
XLVI
194
XLVII
196
XLVIII
198
XLIX
209
L
225
LI
228
LII
230
LIII
252
LIV
257
LV
260
LVI
262
LVII
264
LVIII
270
LIX
276
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About the author (2002)

James Ladyman is Senior Lecturer in philosophy at the University of Bristol

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