Logical Empiricism and the Physical Sciences: From Philosophy of Nature to Philosophy of Physics

This book explores the traditions and changes in methods, concepts, and ideas that led to the logical empiricists' philosophy of physics, presenting and analyzing their various ideas about the physical sciences and their philosophical relevance. It is divided into three thematic sections, surveying the influences on logical empiricism, focusing on specific physical theories, and widening the scope to philosophy of science and physics in general. It is a valuable resource for researchers interested in the history and philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, and the history of analytic philosophy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume explores the rich traditions and evolving methods, concepts, and ideas that shaped the philosophical framework of logical empiricism in physics. It delves into the diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives held by the logical empiricists regarding the physical sciences and their philosophical significance. By contextualizing these developments within their historical and social contexts, the book reveals the diverse range of conceptions and philosophies that contributed to the history of 20th-century philosophy of science.

Logical Empiricism and the Natural Sciences is organized into three thematic sections. Part I provides an insightful survey of the influences that shaped the philosophy of science and physics within the logical empiricist framework. Chapters in this section explore the pivotal role played by Maxwell in shaping the worldview of logical empiricism, the account of objectivity offered by Reichenbach, the impact of Poincaré on Neurath's early views on scientific method, the philosophical exchanges between Frank and Einstein, and the overlooked contributions of Kurt Grelling.

Part II delves into specific physical theories that were central to the logical empiricist discourse. It examines the positions taken by Carnap and Reichenbach on Einstein's theory of general relativity, Reichenbach's critique of unified field theory, and the reactions of the logical empiricists to quantum mechanics. This section offers a detailed analysis of the philosophical challenges and considerations raised by these physical theories within the logical empiricist framework.

The third and final section broadens the scope to encompass philosophy of science and physics in general. Chapters in this section explore various aspects of logical empiricism, including von Mises' frequentism, Frank's account of concept formation and confirmation, and the interrelationships between Nagels, Feigls, and Hempels' versions of logical empiricism. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical developments and debates within the logical empiricist tradition.

This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the history and philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, and the history of logical empiricism. It offers a comprehensive account of the philosophical framework of logical empiricism and provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between science, philosophy, and society. Through its detailed analysis and insightful discussions, Logical Empiricism and the Natural Sciences sheds light on the enduring legacy of this influential philosophical movement.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367768218