Overview
How does science work? Does it tell us what the world is really like? What makes it different from other ways of understanding the universe? In Theory and Reality, Peter Godfrey-Smith addresses these questions by taking the listener on a grand tour of one hundred years of debate about science. The result is a completely accessible introduction to the main themes of the philosophy of science. Intended for undergraduates and general audiences with no prior background in philosophy, Theory and Reality covers logical positivism; the problems of induction and confirmation; Karl Popper's theory of science; Thomas Kuhn and scientific revolutions; the views of Imre Lakatos, Larry Laudan, and Paul Feyerabend; and challenges to the field from sociology of science, feminism, and science studies. The book then looks in more detail at some specific problems and theories, including scientific realism, the theory-ladeness of observation, scientific explanation, and Bayesianism. Finally, Godfrey-Smith defends a form of philosophical naturalism as the best way to solve the main problems in the field.
Full Product Details
Author: Peter Godfrey-Smith ,
Matthew Lloyd Davies
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Imprint: Tantor Audio
Dimensions:
Width: 14.70cm
, Height: 2.80cm
, Length: 14.20cm
Weight: 0.227kg
ISBN: 9781665241380
ISBN 10: 1665241381
Publication Date: 19 December 2017
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Audio
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
Godfrey-Smith presents a clear, comprehensive, and accessible introductory survey of the major problems and movements in the philosophy of science. It is an excellent book to use on its own in a lower-level philosophy of science course or as a supplement to some anthology of primary texts in a more sophisticated upper-level course. It would also suit anyone who has interest in the subject but little patience for jargon-heavy professional philosophy. . . . His exposition is accented by insightful commentary and criticism, and by examples from the history of science all with a keen sense of humor.-- Michael Veber, Science Education
Author Information
Peter Godfrey-Smith is a professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney. He is the author of several books, including Theory and Reality, which won the 2010 Lakatos Award. Matthew Lloyd Davies is a veteran actor, audiobook narrator, and director. Highlights of his career include regular appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre, in the West End, on international tours, and in award-winning television shows and films. With experience in radio, a master's degree in directing, and extensive experience in presenting at corporate events, Matthew has honed his ability to tell a story. It is that ability which he brings to each and every audiobook he narrates and produces.
