Table of Contents

Contents Preface Preface to the Second Edition Inroduction Chapter 1. Philosophy and Scientific Realism 1. Two Sides of Knowledge 2. Three Traditions in the Philosophy of Science 3. The Transcendental Analysis of Experience a. The Analysis of Perception b. The Analysis of Experimental Activity 4. The Status of Ontology and Its Dissolution in Classical Philosophy 5. Ontology Vindicated and The Real Basis of Causal Laws 6. A Sketch of a Critique of Empirical Realism Chapter 2. Actualism and the Concept of a Closure 1. Introduction: On the Actuality of the Causal Connection 2. Regularity Determinism and the Quest for a Closure 3. The Classical Paradigm of Action 4. Actualism and Transcendental Realism: The Interpretation of Normic Statements 5. Autonomy and Reduction 6. Explanation in Open Systems Appendix. Orthodox Philosophy of Science and the Implications of Open Systems Chapter 3. the Logic of Scientific Discovery 1. Introduction: On the Contingency of the Causal Connection 2. The Surplus-Element in the Analysis of Law-like Statements: A Critique of the Theory of Models 3. Natural Necessity And Natural Kinds: The Stratification of Nature and The Stratification of Science 4. The Social Production of Knowledge by Means of Knowledge 5. Objections to the Account of Natural Necessity Proposed 6. The Problem of Induction Appendix. Natural Tendencies and Causal Powers Chapter 4. Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Science Postscript to the Second Edition Bibliography Index of Names Index of Subjects

About the Author

Centre for Critical Realism, London, UK

Reviews

'...stunning readings of key chapters in the history of philosophy. This is a unique book full of gems.' -- "Peter Manicas" 'In this stunning book, Roy Bhaskar develops his own programme of critical realism into a radically new and original theory of dialectics and a critique of previous theories from the ancient Greeks to twentieth century neo-Marxism. The result is comparable in its scope and ambition to Sartre's critique of dialectical reasoning. It is hard to think of any other contemporary philosopher with the powers to bring this off.' -- "William Outhwaite" 'I deeply admire its vast range, rigour and originality... a massively important work.' - "Terry Eagleton"