Preface
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Empiricism
Chapter 3 Evidence and Induction
Chapter 4 Popper: Conjecture and Refutation
Chapter 5 Kuhn’s Revolution
Chapter 6 Theories and Frameworks
Chapter 7 The Challenge from Sociology of Science
Chapter 8 Science Is Political
Chapter 9 Naturalistic Philosophy
Chapter 10 Scientific Realism
Chapter 11 Explanation, Laws, and Causes
Chapter 12 Bayesianism and New Views of Evidence
Chapter 13 Truth, Simplicity, and Other Problems
Chapter 14 The Future
Glossary
Websites
References
Index
Peter Godfrey-Smith is professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney. He is the author of many books, including Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness and Philosophy of Biology.
"An excellent overview of the philosophy of science from the early
20th century onward. . . . Recommended."
*Choice*
"Godfrey-Smith displays consistent clarity. It is truly refreshing
to read a text that is thorough, clear, and penetrating. Students
with little or no background in philosophy or philosophy of science
will find this book to be extremely worthwhile. Professionals in
other fields and other disciplines will appreciate the breadth and
depth. . . . Whether you teach philosophy of science, or whether
you are simple interested in issues relating science, philosophy,
history, and other fields, I am confident that you’ll find Theory
and Reality an accessible and rewarding read."
*Metapsychology*
"Godfrey-Smith presents a clear, comprehensive, and accessible
introductory survey of the major problems and movements in the
philosophy of science. It is an excellent book to use on its own in
a lower-level philosophy of science course or as a supplement to
some anthology of primary texts in a more sophisticated upper-level
course. It would also suit anyone who has interest in the subject
but little patience for jargon-heavy professional philosophy. . . .
His exposition is accented by insightful commentary and criticism,
and by examples from the history of science all with a keen sense
of humor."
*Science Education*
"A stimulating introduction to nearly every department of general
philosophy of science. . . . Godfrey-Smith’s attempt to inject new
vigor and liveliness into philosophy of science is quite
successful, as evidenced by the charmingly opinionated style of
presentation and the ease with which he ties latter-day
perspectives on science back to the classic positivist tradition
and the history of science. . . . A very fresh and well-conceived
book."
*Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences*
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