Ernest Nagel: Philosophy of Science and the Fight for Clarity

This volume is dedicated to the life and work of Ernest Nagel (1901-1985), a influential twentieth-century philosopher of science. It introduces his philosophy to a new generation and highlights the merits and originality of his works. Nagel's career aimed to harmonize the European scientific worldview of logical empiricism and American naturalism/pragmatism, and his most famous treatise, "The Structure of Science," appeared just one year before Thomas Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." The contributing authors articles are connected historically and systematically, making it of interest to students, academic scholars, historians, philosophers of science, epistemologists, social scientists, and anyone interested in the history of analytic philosophy and twentieth-century intellectual history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume pays tribute to the remarkable life and influential work of Ernest Nagel (1901-1985), a prominent philosopher of science in the twentieth century. While his philosophy has somewhat faded from the attention of the philosophy of science community in recent years, this volume seeks to reintroduce Nagel's ideas to a new generation of readers and emphasize the merits and originality of his thought.

Nagel, widely recognized as a prominent American representative of logical empiricism, blended elements of pragmatism and naturalism in his philosophical approach. However, his interests and endeavors extended far beyond these confines. His unwavering commitment was to harmonize the European scientific worldview of logical empiricism with the American naturalism/pragmatism perspective. This pursuit characterized his career, culminating in the publication of his renowned and systematic treatise, "The Structure of Science," just one year before Thomas Kuhn's equally influential "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions."

As a reflection of Nagel's interdisciplinary work, the articles included in this volume are interconnected both historically and systematically. The volume is intended primarily for advanced students and academic scholars, covering a wide range of historical, philosophical, physical, social, and general scientific topics. Its appeal extends to historians and philosophers of science, epistemologists, social scientists, and anyone with an interest in the history of analytic philosophy and twentieth-century intellectual history.

Nagel's philosophy is characterized by his insightful and thought-provoking ideas. He explored the nature of scientific knowledge, the role of reason in scientific inquiry, and the relationship between science and morality. He also delved into the concept of consciousness, challenging traditional views and proposing a more comprehensive understanding of the mind-body problem.

One of Nagel's most significant contributions lies in his analysis of the structure of science. He argued that science is not a linear and cumulative process, but rather a complex and dynamic system that evolves through the accumulation of knowledge and the development of new theories. Nagel emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, as different scientific disciplines contribute to our understanding of the world in unique ways.

Another hallmark of Nagel's philosophy is his emphasis on the role of intuition in scientific inquiry. While he recognized the importance of empirical evidence and logical reasoning, he also recognized that intuition plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the natural world. Nagel argued that intuition is not a subjective or unreliable process, but rather a valuable tool that helps scientists identify patterns and make sense of complex phenomena.

In conclusion, this volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the philosophy of science, intellectual history, and the broader field of philosophy. By reintroducing Ernest Nagel's philosophy to a new generation, it aims to inspire and stimulate further exploration of his ideas and their relevance to contemporary debates. Nagel's thought-provoking insights and interdisciplinary approach continue to make him a significant figure in the philosophical landscape, and this volume provides a comprehensive and accessible entry point into his work.

Weight: 539g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030810122
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022