The Process of Science: Contemporary Philosophical Approaches to Understanding Scientific Practice (Science and Philosophy) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9401080720 ISBN 13: 9789401080729

Publisher: Springer, 2011

Synopsis

For some time now the philosophy of science has been undergoing a major transfor­ mation. It began when the 'received view' of scientific knowledge -that developed by logical positivists and their intellectual descendants - was challenged as bearing little resemblance to and having little relevance for the understanding of real science. Subsequently, an overwhelming amount of criticism has been added. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would support the 'received view' today. Yet, in the search for a new analysis of scientific knowledge, this view continues to exert influence over the tenor of much of present-day philosophy of science; in particular, over its problems and its methods of analysis. There has, however, emerged an area within the discipline - called by some the 'new philosophy of science' - that has been engaged in transforming the problems and methods of philosophy of science. While there is far from a consensus of beliefs in this area, most of the following contentions would be affirmed by those working in it: - that science is an open-ended, on-going activity, whose character has changed significantly during its history - that science is not a monolithic enterprise - that good science can lead to false theories - that science has its roots in everyday circumstances, needs, methods, concepts, etc.

About this title

Review

` .. this volume will make a significant contribution to a more adequate understanding of the "nature of scientific knowledge and inquiry" '
ISIS Vol.79,No.1,1988

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9401080720
• ISBN 13: 9789401080729
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 234
• Editor: Nersessian N.J.