Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge - Softcover

Feyerabend, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0860916464 ISBN 13: 9780860916468

Publisher: Verso, 1993

Synopsis

Modern philosophy of science has paid great attention to the understanding of scientific ‘practice’, in contrast to concentration on scientific ‘method’. Paul Feyerabend’s acclaimed work, which has contributed greatly to this new emphasis, shows the deficiencies of some widespread ideas about the nature of knowledge. He argues that the only feasible explanations of scientific successes are historical explanations, and that anarchism must now replace rationalism in the theory of knowledge.

The third edition of this classic text contains a new preface and additional reflections at various points in which the author takes account both of recent debates on science and on the impact of scientific products and practices on the human community. While disavowing populism or relativism, Feyerabend continues to insist that the voice of the inexpert must be heard. Thus many environmental perils were first identified by non-experts against prevailing assumptions in the scientific community. Feyerabend’s challenging reassessment of scientific claims and understandings are as pungent and timely as ever.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul Feyerabend was Professor of Philosophy at UC Berkeley, and Professor of the Philosophy of Science at the Federal Institute of Technology at Zurich. He died in 1994. His books include Philosophical Papers, Farewell to Reason, and Against Method.

Review:

“Against Method is morder than a book: it is an event.”—Archives de Philosphie

“A brilliant polemic”—New Scientist

“A devastating attack on the claims of philosophy to legislate for scientific practice.”—New Society

About this edition

• Publisher: Verso
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0860916464
• ISBN 13: 9780860916468
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 296