Knowing Things for Sure Science and Truth

by Artigas, Mariano; McCone, Alan

• ISBN13: 9780761835110
• ISBN10: 0761835113
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-07-29
• Publisher: UPA

Summary

In science it is obvious that we are certain about many things, but among philosophers there is little agreement as to why we know these things. In Knowing Things for Sure physicist and realist philosopher, Mariano Artigas traces the confusion to non-realist philosophies and argues that practitioners of experimental science do reach logical truths about reality. This comprehensive survey of the philosophy of science and mini-history of science uses historical evidence to discuss the aim of science and show how scientists achieve inter-subjective agreement, reach truths about reality, and ultimately impact philosophy.

Author Biography

Mariano Artigas is a full Professor of Philosophy of Science at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.

Table of Contents

Translator's Preface
Preface to the American Edition Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Aim of Science	5	(32)
1.1Three aspects of science	6	(3)
1.2 The goals of scientific activity	9	(4)
1.3 Experimental control	13	(4)
1.4 Experimentation and experience	17	(4)
1.5 The clash with the ancient ideal of science	21	(4)
1.6 The nature of experimental science	25	(4)
1.7 Discussion: the scientific conception of the world	29	(8)
Chapter 2 Types Of Scientific Activity	37	(24)
2.1 Scientific investigation	38	(5)
2.2 Systematization and its functions	43	(3)
2.3 Transmission of scientific knowledge	46	(4)
2.4 Application of theories	50	(2)
2.5 The unity of the scientific enterprise	52	(2)
2.6 Discussion: the logic and psychology of science	54	(7)
Chapter 3 The Scientific Method	61	(26)
3.1 The construction of the scientific object	62	(2)
3.2 Models: their references and meaning	64	(2)
3.3 Formation of theories	66	(2)
3.4 Confirmation of the validity of theories	68	(5)
3.5 The deductive method	73	(4)
3.6 Induction	77	(2)
3.7 Discussion: the unity of the scientific method	79	(8)
Chapter 4 Theoretical Constructs	87	(24)
4.1 Scientific concepts	87	(5)
4.2 Scientific statements	92	(5)
4.3 Theories	97	(3)
4.4 Experimental data	100	(3)
4.5 Discussion: empiricism, apriorism, conventionalism, and operationalism	103	(8)
Chapter 5 Scientific Objectivity	111	(24)
5.1 Objectivity and objectification	112	(2)
5.2 Objectification and experimental control	114	(3)
5.3 Conventional factors of scientific objectivity	117	(5)
5.4 Limits of scientific objectivity	122	(2)
5.5 Objectivity and evidence	124	(3)
5.6 The nature of scientific inter-subjectivity	127	(3)
5.7 Discussion: public knowledge	130	(5)
Chapter 6 Science and Truth	135	(24)
6.1 Demonstrability: contextual and referential	136	(4)
6.2 Truth that is partial	140	(3)
6.3 Context, pragmatics, and correspondence to reality	143	(2)
6.4 The realist intention of scientific activity	145	(3)
6.5 The reality of scientific constructs	148	(2)
6.6 Experimental science and philosophical realism	150	(2)
6.7 Discussion: scientific truth	152	(7)
Chapter 7 The Progress of Science	159	(24)
7.1 The birth of experimental science	160	(4)
7.2 The consolidation of scientific disciplines	164	(2)
7.3 Intra-disciplinary progress	166	(2)
7.4 Progress, objectification, and truth	168	(3)
7.5 Accumulative progress	171	(1)
7.6 The commensurability of theories	172	(3)
7.7 Discussion: Factors internal and external to scientific progress	175	(6)
7.8 Summary about the progress of science	181	(2)
Chapter 8 The Philosophical Impact of Science	183	(26)
8.1 The meaning of scientific activity	183	(5)
8.2 The ontology of science	188	(2)
8.3 Science and rationality	190	(2)
8.4 The problem of demarcation	192	(4)
8.5 Scientism	196	(3)
8.6 The reliability of science	199	(4)
8.7 Discussion: the philosophy of science	203	(5)
8.8 Summary	208	(1)
Epilog	209	(14)
E.1 The nature of the philosophy of science	209	(3)
E.2 The nature of experimental science	212	(4)
E.3 The problem of scientific truth	216	(5)
E.4 The relation between science, philosophy, and theology	221	(2)
Notes	223	(18)
Glossary	241
Bibliography	249	(10)
Author Index	259	(4)
Subject Index	263	(10)
Author Biographical Sketch	273