The Routledge Handbook of Logical Empiricism

Logical empiricism was a philosophical movement that aimed to understand the advances in empirical and formal sciences and confront anti-modernist challenges to scientific reason. The Routledge Handbook of Logical Empiricism is an excellent reference source for this movement, with 41 chapters written by an international and interdisciplinary team of contributors. It is organized into four parts: the cultural, scientific, and philosophical context and the development of logical empiricism, characteristic theses of and specific issues in logical empiricism, relations to philosophical contemporaries, and leading post-positivist criticisms and legacy. It is essential reading for students and researchers in the history of twentieth-century philosophy, especially the history of analytical philosophy and the history of philosophy of science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 14 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Logical empiricism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence in Central Europe during the 1920s and 1930s, and later in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, aimed to understand the revolutionary advancements in empirical and formal sciences while addressing anti-modernist challenges to scientific reason. This movement brought together influential thinkers who often had differing perspectives but shared the common goal of integrating philosophy into the scientific enterprise. Despite its controversial nature, logical empiricism left a profound and diverse legacy that has only recently begun to be explored in depth.

The Routledge Handbook of Logical Empiricism is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to delve into this complex and multifaceted subject area. Comprising 41 chapters authored by an international and interdisciplinary team of contributors, the Handbook is organized into four distinct parts:

The Cultural, Scientific, and Philosophical Context and the Development of Logical Empiricism: This section provides an overview of the historical and cultural factors that shaped the development of logical empiricism. It explores the philosophical influences, scientific developments, and social contexts that influenced the movement's emergence and growth.

Characteristic Theses of and Specific Issues in Logical Empiricism: This section delves into the core theses and specific issues that characterized logical empiricism. It examines the key ideas and arguments put forth by logical empiricists, as well as the challenges and criticisms they faced from their contemporaries.

Relations to Philosophical Contemporaries: This section explores the relationships and connections between logical empiricism and other philosophical movements. It examines how logical empiricism influenced the development of other philosophical schools, such as positivism, logical positivism, and analytic philosophy, as well as how it responded to their criticisms.

Leading Post-Positivist Criticisms and Legacy: This section examines the major criticisms and challenges posed by post-positivist thinkers to logical empiricism. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of the movement, as well as its impact on contemporary philosophy.

The Handbook is an essential resource for students and researchers in the history of twentieth-century philosophy, particularly in the fields of analytical philosophy and the history of philosophy of science. It will also be of interest to those working in related areas of philosophy, such as metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of language, that were influenced by logical empiricism.

In conclusion, logical empiricism was a philosophical movement that sought to understand the world through the lens of empirical evidence and scientific reasoning. While it faced controversies and challenges, it left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the field of philosophy today. The Routledge Handbook of Logical Empiricism is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to explore this complex and fascinating movement in greater detail.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367610036