Understanding Philosophy of ScienceFew 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 |
XXXIV | 118 |
XXXV | 123 |
XXXVI | 127 |
XXXVII | 129 |
XXXVIII | 131 |
XXXIX | 138 |
XL | 146 |
XLI | 158 |
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Common terms and phrases
accept according Alice antirealist approximately true argue atoms Bacon behaviour believe best explanation causal causes chapter claim classical mechanics constructive empiricism deductive Duhem Earth electrons empirical adequacy empirical success empirically adequate empirically equivalent empiricist epistemic epistemology evidence example existence experience fact false falsifiable falsificationism Fraassen generalisation gravitational Hence history of science Hume Hume's hypothesis idea ideaism inductive inference inductive reasoning inductivism justified Kuhn Laudan laws Leplin logical logical positivism logical positivists mathematical matter metaphysical metaphysical realism motion nature Newton's Newtonian mechanics novel predictive success objects observable Oxford paradigm particles particular phenomena philosophers philosophy of science physics planets Popper positivists premises primary properties principle problem of induction proposition Psillos question rational reason refer scepticism scientific knowledge scientific method scientific realism scientific revolution scientific theories scientists seems sense someone statements supposed theoretical terms things thought tion truth underdetermination University Press unobservable entities