Overview

This thoroughly updated second edition guides readers through the central concepts and debates in the philosophy of science. Using concrete examples from the history of science, Kent W. Staley addresses questions about what science is, why it is important, and the basis for trust in scientific results. The first part of the book introduces the central concepts of philosophy of science, with updated discussions of the problem of induction, underdetermination, rationality, scientific progress, and important movements such as falsificationism, logical empiricism, and postpositivism, together with a new chapter on social constructionism. The second part offers updated chapters on probability, scientific realism, explanation, and values in science, along with new discussions of the role of models in science, science in policy-making, and feminist philosophy of science. This broad yet detailed overview will give readers a strong grounding in philosophy of science whilst also providing opportunities for further exploration.

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9781009098250

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Reviews

'This is a fine introductory text. It incorporates recent advances in philosophical research on scientific methodology, and Staley's engaging and easy-to-read style makes it an excellent work for beginning philosophy of science students.' Joseph Pitt, Virginia College of Technology

Author Information

Kent W. Staley is Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University. He is the author of 'The Evidence for the Top Quark: Objectivity and Bias in Collaborative Experimentation' (Cambridge, 2004).

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