Philosophy of Science (98 - Old Edition)

Unmatched in breadth and depth, Philosophy of Science addresses the pivotal questions that have occupied philosophers and scientists in this century. Forty-six readings by leading thinkers such as Thomas S. Kuhn, Sir Karl Popper, and Philip Kitcher examine issues ranging from models of explanation to theoretic confirmation and prediction; from the significance of rationality, values, and objectivity to the arguments for and against scientific empiricism and realism, with two unique chapters on "Science and Pseudoscience" and "Laws of Nature".

Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues offers a balanced and comprehensive survey to the main currents in twentieth-century philosophy of science. Gathering 49 readings on a variety of topics-science and pseudoscience; rationality, objectivity, and values in science; laws of nature; models of explanation, among others-this anthology introduces students to the often challenging problems examined by major thinkers in the field. Combine this with thoughtful and thorough apparatus, and Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues is the most flexible and comprehensive collection ever created for undergraduate courses.

Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues offers a balanced and comprehensive survey to the main currents in twentieth-century philosophy of science.

Gathering 49 readings on a variety of topics--science and pseudoscience; rationality, objectivity, and values in science; laws of nature; models of explanation, among others--this anthology introduces students to the often challenging problems examined by major thinkers in the field. Combine this with thoughtful and thorough apparatus, and Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues is the most flexible and comprehensive collection ever created for undergraduate courses.

J. A. Cover is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University. Leaving a research post after completing a B.S. in biochemistry and biophysics at the University of California, Davis, he took a B.A. at Syracuse University, where he later received his M.A. and Ph.D. His primary fields of research are early modern philosophy, metaphysics, and philosophy of science. His work on Leibniz, Spinoza, causation, space and time, and modality has appeared as book chapters and in numerous journals including Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, Nošs, Synthese, and Philosophical Studies. In addition, he is co-editor of Central Themes in Early Modern Philosophy (Hackett, 1990) and co-author of Theories of Knowledge and Reality: An Introduction to the Problems and Arguments of Philosophy, 2e (McGraw-Hill, 1994).Martin Curd, is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University. After taking a B.A. in Natural Sciences at Cambridge University he studied History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh where he received his Ph.D. His articles on a wide range of topics in philosophy of science and epistemology have been published in journals such as the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Ratio, and The Proceedings of the Philosophy of Science Association and have been reprinted in several edited anthologies, including Readings in the Philosophy of Science, 2e (Prentice Hall, 1989). He is co-author of Principles of Reasoning (St. Martin's, 1989) as well as author of Argument and Analysis: An Introduction to Philosophy (West, 1992).