Scientific Perspectivism

“Ronald Giere uses the techniques of scientists to ask philosophical questions about science. He argues that science can be a human construct and still portray the world objectively, just as color vision is a human construct that detects objective features of the physical world. Scientific Perspectivism builds on Ronald Giere’s earlier ideas—from Explaining Science: A Cognitive Approach and Science without Laws—to yield an accessible and creative account of the nature of scientific theories.  It is of broad interest to those in science studies as well as philosophy of science.” -- Miriam Solomon, Temple University

“Scientific Perspectivism is an interesting and important book, well written and well conceived by an innovative thinker whose views are widely discussed in the philosophy of science. Giere has long been arguing in conference papers, lectures, and publications for a position he calls ‘perspectivism,’ situated between realism and social constructivism. This detailed development of the view is most welcome.” -- Nancy Cartwright, London School of Economics

“Does science deliver the unvarnished truth, or is it some kind of social construct? Giere resolves this opposition, deciding in favor of both sides by exposing the conflict as an artifact of a problematic assumption that both sides—and most of us—are making. Just one of many insights! A must read for anyone with any interest in understanding science.” -- Paul Teller, University of California, Davis

"Clear and engaging." -- Peter Lipton ― Science Published On: 2007-05-11

"A wonderful volume: insightful, compact, and readable." -- Evan Selinger ― Quarterly Review of Biology