Science and Values: The Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate (Pittsburgh Series in Philosophy and History of Science) (Volume 3)

First paperback edition and first printing of Larry Laudan’s Science and Values: The Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate, published by the University of California Press. Issued in the Pittsburgh Series in Philosophy and History of Science. The copyright page retains the original 1984 copyright date and shows a complete number line beginning with 1; the paperback issue was published in January 1986 under ISBN 0-520-05743-0. In this influential study of scientific rationality, Laudan examines how scientists reach agreement and disagreement over theories, methods, and the aims of inquiry. He challenges purely hierarchical accounts of scientific decision-making and develops his “reticulated” model, in which factual claims, methodological rules, and cognitive aims interact and can mutually constrain and justify one another. The work engages directly with debates associated with Thomas Kuhn, scientific change, theory choice, consensus, and the role of cognitive values in science. Bibliographic Note: The copyright page prints ISBN 0-520-05267-6, which identifies the original 1984 hardcover edition. The present paperback carries ISBN 0-520-05743-0 on the rear wrapper and is cataloged by the University of California Press and AbeBooks as the 1986 paperback issue. Condition: Good trade paperback. Glossy black wrappers show moderate rubbing, scattered surface scratches and handling marks, with light edge and corner wear. Small area of circular surface/adhesive residue is visible on the front wrapper beneath the word “Values,” and the lower front corner shows a small crease and associated wear. Original University of California Press price sticker remains on the rear wrapper. Spine is intact and clearly lettered with light extremity wear. Page edges show mild age toning. Interior pages shown are clean and legible; no extensive annotation or highlighting is visible in the photographed pages. Binding appears sound. Please see photographs for condition details. Significance / Collector Appeal: A well-known work by philosopher of science Larry Laudan addressing one of the central problems in twentieth-century philosophy of science: how rational scientific change can occur despite disagreement over evidence, methods, and scientific goals. Its treatment of cognitive values, theory choice, Kuhn, scientific consensus, and the structure of scientific debate continues to make it useful to readers in philosophy of science, epistemology, history of science, and sociology of scientific knowledge. The original work appeared in 1984, with this first paperback issue following in 1986. Shipping / Returns: Book will be carefully wrapped and securely packaged for shipment. USPS Media Mail available for domestic orders; expedited and international shipping available where applicable. Returns accepted in accordance with AbeBooks’ 30-day return policy.…