An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

This book is an attempt to provide an introduction to the philosophy of science so that students having read it will be able to understand specialized articles in the philosophical journals. It will also be suitable for those students who require no more than a general introduction.

Dr. Theobald's thesis is that science is an evolving language- system, a thesis which allows us to construct a coherent picture of the scientific enterprise. It allows the reader to see how he can pass from experience to knowledge- what sort of apparatus is required, how it is to be used, and what its limitations are. Various subjects are dealt with from this view- facts and theories, explanations and descriptions, scientific laws, probability. the relations between the sciences, scientific change and the nature of physical reality. A detailed list of suggestions for further reading is included.