Overview

Scientific realism is the optimistic view that modern science is on the right track: that the world really is the way our best scientific theories describe it to be. In his book, Stathis Psillos gives a comprehensive study which restores the intuitive plausibility of scientific realism. He shows that throughout the 20th century, scientific realism has been challenged by philosophical positions from all angles: from reductive empiricism, to instrumentalism and to modern sceptical empiricism. The book explains that the history of sciencedoes not undermine the notion of scientific realism, and instead makes it reasonable to accept scientific realism as the best philosophical account of science, its empirical success, its progress and its practice. Anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the state of modern science and why scientific realism is plausible, should read this book.

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9780415208192

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Reviews

'Philosophers of science have good reason to thank Stathis Psillos for this scholarly volume, which will likely be the definitive work on scientific realism for some time to come.' - Alexander Bird, Ratio Psillos constructed a sustained, instructive, and convincing overall argument for a coherent scientific realism within metaphysical realism. It is a striking feature of his defense that it is truly fair, even-handed, even charitable with respect to the rival positions, while subjecting them to a severe critique. As well as a huge challenge for any empiricist alternative, Psillos presents a challenge to scientific realists, for Psillos’ arguments lead inexorably to the specific scientific realism he presents. In both respects, this book is as topical and relevant and important today as it was at its publication. Bas C. van Fraassen, Metascience

Stathis Psillos provides an analysis and defence of scientific realism that is clear, sophisticated and creative. Scientific Realism makes a sustained and substantial contribution to the philosophy of science. <br>-Peter Lipton, Professor of the History and Philosophy of Science, Cambridge Unviersity <br> Stathis Psillos has written a superb analysis and defense of scientific realism. Scientific Realism is a fine contribution to understanding the nature of scientific knowledge. <br>-Paul Thagard, Professor of Philosophy, University of Waterloo <br> Stathis Psillos has written the definitive treatment of scientific realism. He ranges widely, from the founding fathers of modern philosophy of science, through detailed studies of crucial scientific episodes, to the intricacies of current debate. Yet he is entirely sure-footed throughout, telling us exactly what we need to know at each stage, with ease and elegance. This authoritative stufy will become an essential resource for students and experts alike<br>. <br>-David Papineau, Kings College London <br> Psillio's book presents an excellent overview of the central components of current scientific realism, the main challenges to it, and the most promising strategies for defending it. <br>-Gerald Doppelt, University of California, San Diego, The Philosophical Review, March 2003 <br>

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Stathis Psillos (Author)

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