This is Philosophy of Science - An Introduction

The philosophy of science explores the role of science within the broader framework of human knowledge and engagement with the world. It covers topics such as the nature of explanation, the confirmation of theories, the design of physical experiments, probability and theory testing, emergentism, measurement theory, and the manipulationist account of causation. This is Philosophy of Science: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for STEM students, undergraduate philosophy majors, and general readers looking for an easy-to-read overview of the subject.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

The philosophy of science is a branch of philosophy that examines the nature, scope, and methods of scientific inquiry. It seeks to understand how scientific knowledge is acquired, justified, and applied to the world around us.

One of the central features of a scientific worldview is the belief in the importance of empirical evidence. Scientific theories are based on observations and experiments that can be repeated and verified by other scientists. This emphasis on empirical evidence distinguishes science from other fields of inquiry, such as philosophy and religion, which often rely on non-empirical reasoning.

Another important aspect of a scientific worldview is the use of the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic approach to the investigation of natural phenomena. It involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. The scientific method is designed to eliminate bias and to ensure that scientific findings are based on objective evidence.

Despite the importance of empirical evidence and the scientific method, there are still many philosophical issues that arise within the empirical sciences. One of these issues is the nature of explanation. Scientific explanations typically involve a series of steps that connect observations to a broader theory or hypothesis. However, there are different types of explanations, such as causal explanations, teleological explanations, and mechanistic explanations, and there are debates about which type of explanation is best.

Another philosophical issue that arises in the empirical sciences is the debate between realism and anti-realism. Realism is the belief that scientific theories provide an accurate representation of the world around us. Anti-realism, on the other hand, argues that scientific theories are only useful for predicting future events and that they do not provide an accurate representation of the underlying reality.

Another philosophical issue that arises in the empirical sciences is the debate between probability and determinism. Probability is the mathematical tool used to describe the likelihood of a particular event occurring. Determinism is the belief that all events are causally determined by prior events. There are debates about whether probability and determinism are compatible with each other and whether they can provide an accurate account of the world.

Another philosophical issue that arises in the empirical sciences is the debate between emergentism and reductionism. Emergentism is the belief that complex systems, such as living organisms and social systems, can emerge from simpler systems through natural processes. Reductionism, on the other hand, argues that complex systems can be explained in terms of their underlying components.

Finally, there is the debate between the manipulationist account of causation and the non-manipulationist account of causation. The manipulationist account of causation holds that human actions can cause changes in the world around us. The non-manipulationist account of causation holds that changes in the world around us can occur without the intervention of human actions.

In conclusion, the philosophy of science is a complex and interdisciplinary field that examines the nature, scope, and methods of scientific inquiry. It seeks to understand how scientific knowledge is acquired, justified, and applied to the world around us. The central features of a scientific worldview include the belief in empirical evidence, the use of the scientific method, and the debate between realism and anti-realism, probability and determinism, emergentism and reductionism, and the manipulationist and non-manipulationist accounts of causation.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 228 x 159 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119757993