Interpreting Feyerabend: Critical Essays

This collection of essays critically evaluates Paul Feyerabend's philosophy, exploring his views on realism, empiricism, mimesis, voluntarism, pluralism, materialism, and the mind-body problem. It also considers his contributions to contemporary debates in science and public policy, such as scientific methodology, science's role in society, citizen science, scientism, and expertise in public policy. The volume provides a comprehensive overview of Feyerabend's thought, showcasing his breadth and depth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive collection of new essays delves into the intricate and thought-provoking philosophy of Paul Feyerabend, offering a fresh and critical interpretation of his ideas. Through innovative historical scholarship, the book explores a wide range of topics, including realism, empiricism, mimesis, voluntarism, pluralism, materialism, and the mind-body problem. It also examines specific debates within the philosophy of physics, shedding light on Feyerabend's unique perspective on these subjects. Moreover, the volume considers the ways in which Feyerabend's thought can contribute to contemporary debates in science and public policy. It addresses issues such as the nature of scientific methodology, the role of science in society, citizen science, scientism, and the importance of expertise in public policy. By providing a comprehensive overview of the topics that Feyerabend engaged with throughout his career, the book showcases both the breadth and depth of his intellectual inquiry. It will be an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of contemporary philosophy.

Introduction:
Paul Feyerabend, a renowned philosopher, made significant contributions to the field of philosophy with his unique and controversial ideas. This collection of essays aims to interpret and critically evaluate his philosophy, exploring its historical significance and its relevance to contemporary debates.
Realism, Empiricism, and Mimesis:
The book delves into Feyerabend's take on realism, empiricism, and mimesis. It examines his critiques of traditional philosophical frameworks and his advocacy for a more pluralistic and anarchic approach to knowledge. Feyerabend's rejection of the notion of objective reality and his emphasis on the role of interpretation in understanding the world are explored in depth.
Voluntarism and Pluralism:
Feyerabend's philosophy is characterized by his belief in voluntarism and pluralism. He challenges the notion of a universal scientific method and argues that different approaches to knowledge should be recognized and valued. The book examines the implications of voluntarism for scientific methodology, the role of science in society, and the relationship between science and politics.
Materialism and the Mind-Body Problem:
Feyerabend's philosophy also touches upon materialism and the mind-body problem. He critiques the reductionist approach to understanding the mind and body and advocates for a more holistic understanding of the human experience. The book explores the connections between materialism and social structures, as well as the ethical implications of different philosophical positions.
Contemporary Debates in Science and Public Policy:
The book considers the ways in which Feyerabend's thought can contribute to contemporary debates in science and public policy. It examines the nature of scientific methodology, the role of science in society, citizen science, scientism, and the role of expertise in public policy. Feyerabend's ideas are analyzed in the context of these debates, and their potential implications for shaping scientific research and public policy are explored.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection of essays provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the philosophy of Paul Feyerabend. It offers innovative historical scholarship on Feyerabend's take on realism, empiricism, mimesis, voluntarism, pluralism, materialism, and the mind-body problem. It also considers the ways in which Feyerabend's thought can contribute to contemporary debates in science and public policy. By providing a comprehensive overview of Feyerabend's intellectual inquiry, this book will be an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of contemporary philosophy.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108458917