Product Description

A comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of science. Introduces the key topics, such as the scientific method, rationalism and empiricism, as well as more advanced topics such as realism and antirealism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101357 in Books
• Published on: 2001-12-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 302 pages

Review
'The style is accessible, the discussion is engaging: this is a thought-provoking introduction to the philosophy of science.' - Peter Lipton, Professor of the History and Philosophy of Science, Cambridge University

'This is the best introduction to philosophy of sciences I have read. I will certainly use it. The writing is wonderfully clear without being simplistic. It is not at all too difficult for second and third year students. Many of my philosophy of science students have no background in philosophy, and I'm sure they will find the book accessible, informative and a pleasure to read. I read this manuscript with my students in mind. This is the book we've been looking for.' - Peter Kosso, Northern Arizona University

Synopsis
Few can imagine a world without telephones or televisions; many depend on computers and the Internet as part of daily life. Without scientific theory, these developments would not have been possible. In this exceptionally clear and engaging introduction to philosophy of science, James Ladyman explores the philosophical questions that arise when we reflect on the nature of the scientific method and the knowledge it produces. He discusses whether fundamental philosophical questions about knowledge and reality might be answered by science, and considers in detail the debate between realists and antirealists about the extent of scientific knowledge. Along the way, central topics in philosophy of science, such as the demarcation of science from non-science, induction, confirmation and falsification, the relationship between theory and observation and relativism are all addressed. Important and complex current debates over underdetermination, inference to the best explaination and the implications of radical theory change are clarified and clearly explained for those new to the subject.

The style is refreshing and unassuming, bringing to life the essential questions in the philosophy of science. Ideal for an student of philosophy or science, this book requires no previous knowledge of either discipline. It contains the following textbook features: * Suggestions for further reading * Cross-referencing with an extensive bibliography

From the Back Cover
Understanding Philosophy of Science is a comprehensive and introduction to the philosophy of science. It is ideal for students coming to philosophy or science for time.
James Ladyman presents an accessible introduction to central topics within the philosophy of science, including
the scientific method
induction and inductivism
falsificationism
rationalism
empiricism
He also introduced more advanced topics such as realism and antirealism, underdetermination, causation and reference.
Understanding Philosophy of Science is essential reading for all students of philosophy and science. It is also valuable to anyone seeking an introduction to some of the basic problems in philosophy itself.

Customer Reviews

An excellent book for a wide readership
Having studied philosophy at university many years ago I found this book provided a superb re-introduction to an area that I'd always had some interest in but not focused on at the time.

The first half provides as clear and concise accounts of demarcation, inductivism, falsification and epistemology as will be found anywhere; Hume, Popper, Kuhn at al are all covered in a very clear and precise style. The second half updated my knowledge of the field considerably with developments in underdetermination and theory change that have taken place since my degree. I'll admit that I didn't find all of these areas straightforward but that was by no means a reflection on the quality of the writing but rather on the challenges of the subject matter. Ladyman has produced an excellent introduction to the subject for the undergraduate or layman that also manages to deal admirably with some of the complexities a post-graduate student would have to tackle.

The future of academic philosophy?
This book is one of many introductions to this particular area of philosophy. As such it does a reasonable job at introducing students to a (non-exhaustive) set of questions. The question is: do we need more standardized, unoriginal introductions like this? It's not obvious at all that the best way to advance a discipline, and to get students interested in questioning received wisdoms, is to expose them to the *same* questions in exactly the *same* way, using the *same* examples like myriads of other introductory books before and, presumably, thereafter. In this sense, the book is profoundly disappointing.

An Excellent Foundation for Study
An excellent aid to a student of Philosophy of Science. Interesting, engaging and insightful, this text delivers a good all round familiarisation with the subject matter.

I would recommend it to any degree level student reading Philosophy of Science.