A Philosopher Looks at Science

Science is not just the combination of theory and experiment, nor is it reducible to physics, and it is not deterministic. Nancy Cartwright's book explores the products of science and how they work together, revealing what makes science reliable and compatible with a view of nature as more responsive to human change. It calls for greater intellectual humility in scientific institutions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Science is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses a wide range of fields and approaches to understanding the natural world. It is often portrayed in three common images: the combination of theory and experiment, the reduction of all science to physics, and the belief that science and the natural world are deterministic. However, Nancy Cartwright challenges these images in her innovative and thought-provoking book.

Cartwright argues that science is not just the combination of theory and experiment but also encompasses a wide range of products, including technologies, systems, and models. She emphasizes that these products work together to provide a comprehensive understanding of the world. For example, she discusses the development of the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin and how it has been supported by a vast array of evidence, from fossils to genetic studies.

One of the key themes of Cartwright's book is the reliability of science. She argues that science is ultimately reliable because it is based on a rigorous scientific method that involves observation, experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. This method allows scientists to make accurate predictions and to develop theories that explain the natural world.

Despite the reliability of science, Cartwright also recognizes that nature is more responsive to human change than we might think. She argues that science can help us to understand the mechanisms that drive natural processes and to develop strategies for managing and adapting to environmental change. For example, she discusses the development of renewable energy technologies and how they can help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Cartwright's book is a call for greater intellectual humility by and within scientific institutions. She argues that scientists should be open to new ideas and approaches and should be willing to revise their beliefs and theories in light of new evidence. She also emphasizes the importance of communicating scientific findings to the public in a way that is accessible and understandable.

Overall, Cartwright's book is a valuable contribution to the field of science. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of science and its role in understanding the natural world. It will appeal to anyone who thinks about science and how it is practised in society, including scientists, policymakers, and members of the public.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009201889