An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

by Bortolotti, Lisa

• ISBN13: 9780745635392
• ISBN10: 0745635393
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-03
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science provides a lively and accessible introduction to current key issues and debates in this area. The classic philosophical questions about methodology, progress, rationality and reality are addressed by reference to examples from the full range of natural and social sciences. Lisa Bortolotti uses a historically-informed perspective on the evolution of science and includes a thorough discussion of the ethical implications of scientific research. Special attention is paid to the complex relationship between the advancement of science, policy making and public interest and to the continuity between scientific research and other human activities. The book is designed to help students think for themselves about the issues identified above, and includes information tables and questions for further reflection to support all stages of the teaching and learning experience, from the comprehension of primary and other secondary texts to debate and essay writing. It also includes a thematic bibliography and a glossary of technical terms. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science is an excellent introduction to philosophy for students and provides researchers of scientific disciplines with an opportunity to reflect upon the value and impact of their work. It is also a stimulating read for anybody who is interested in the philosophical issues raised by the status of scientific knowledge, the practice of science and the role of experts in contemporary society.

Author Biography

Lisa Bortolotti is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Birmingham.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	p. ix
List of Tables	p. x
Acknowledgements	p. xi
Introduction: What is Science?	p. 1
Demarcation	p. 4
Science and Non-Science	p. 6
Science and Pseudoscience	p. 13
Natural and Social Sciences	p. 18
What is Scientific Research?	p. 22
Good and Bad Science	p. 25
Reasoning	p. 30
Ways of Reasoning	p. 31
The Scientific Method: Induction	p. 38
The Problem of Induction	p. 45
Knowledge	p. 53
What is a Theory?	p. 54
Theory Confirmation	p. 60
Models of Explanation	p. 71
Language and Reality	p. 81
Meaning, Reference, and Natural Kinds	p. 82
Implications of Descriptivism	p. 89
Realism	p. 96
The Realism Debate	p. 104
Rationality	p. 113
Revolutions	p. 114
Paradigm Shifts	p. 118
Beyond Revolutions	p. 125
Ethics	p. 134
Instrumentalization	p. 135
Ethical Constraints on Research Objectives	p. 137
Ethical Constraints on Research Methods	p. 147
Ethical Constraints on Scientific Research	p. 157
Conclusion: Science as an Activity	p. 161
Glossary	p. 164
Thematic Bibliography	p. 180
Index	p. 197
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.