Introduction to the Philosophy of Science: Cutting Nature at Its Seams
Author(s): Robert Klee (Author)
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication Date: 12 Dec. 1996
Edition: Illustrated
Language: English
Print length: 276 pages
ISBN-10: 0195106113
ISBN-13: 9780195106114
Book Description
A survey of the philosophy of science from positivism to social constructivism, this book focuses on the ontological implications of science. An innovative feature is the author's use of immunology as a source of descriptive examples, thus providing lively illustrations from a life science with universal appeal and allowing continuity throughout this volume. The coverage of Quinean holism and supervenience clarify concepts which have been often misunderstood, while the discussion of the Kuhnian model of science rectifies the distortions it underwent due to misuse in the past. Feminist and nonfeminist concepts of science, as well as social constructivist models are thoroughly investigated by Klee. The book is lavishly illustrated and includes a glossary defining over eighty key terms.
Editorial Reviews
Review
In this refreshingly opinionated introduction, ...Klee exposes the overall poverty of many anti-realist attacks on science and shows how a considered realism is still the best opinion. His book has quirks aplenty which make it stand out from others and make it both an excellant introduction to the subject and an enjoyable fresh look for those already familiar with the debates. Stephen Mumford, Department of Philosophy, University of Nottingham Mind Vol 110 an engaging, accessible and comprehensive introductory text in the philosophy of science which manages to avoid sailing over the head of the beginner philosophy student without talking down to the working professional. I suspect that many teachers of the philosophy of science will, along with their students, find something in this book to stimulate their own thinking about the subject ... One particularly impressive feature of the text is its effective use of immunology as a case study ... Klee writes with the confident authority of a philosopher who knows immunology well and knows how to apply its realistic features, history and examples to philosophical argument. P Kyle Stanford, Stud Hist Phil Sci Vol 30 no2 1999
From the Back Cover
A clear and lively explanation of key concepts and issues in the philosophy of science. It surveys the field from positivism to social constructivism, focusing on the metaphysical implications of science as a form of knowledge gathering that explains what the world is really like, while simultaneously arguing for the superiority of a holistic model of scientific theories over competing models.
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