A critical introduction to scientific realism / Paul Dicken.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dicken, Paul, author.

Series:

Bloomsbury critical introductions to contemporary epistemology.

Bloomsbury Critical Introductions to Contemporary Epistemology

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Realism.

Science--Methodology.

Science.

Science--Philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (223 p.)

Place of Publication:

London : Bloomsbury, 2016.

Summary:

"What are the reasons for believing scientific theories to be true? The contemporary debate around scientific realism exposes questions about the very nature of scientific knowledge. A Critical Introduction to Scientific Realism explores and advances the main topics of the debate, allowing epistemologists to make new connections with the philosophy of science. Moving from its origins in logical positivism to some of the most recent issues discussed in the literature, this critical introduction covers the no-miracles argument, the pessimistic meta-induction and structural realism. Placing arguments in their historical context, Paul Dicken approaches scientific realism debate as a particular instance of our more general epistemological investigations. The recurrent theme is that the scientific realism debate is in fact a pseudo-philosophical question. Concerned with the methodology of the scientific realism debate, Dicken asks what it means to offer an epistemological assessment of our scientific practices. Taking those practices as a guide to our epistemological reflections, A Critical Introduction to Scientific Realism fills a gap in current introductory texts and presents a fresh approach to understanding a crucial debate."--Bloomsbury Publishing.

Contents:

1. Historical Introduction

2. Carnap and Kuhn on Science and Methodology

3. The No-Miracles Argument

4. The Pessimistic Meta-Induction

5. Wholesale and Retail Arguments for Scientific Realism

6. Structural Realism

7. Constructive Empiricism

8. Conclusion

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781472575890

147257589X

9781474290333

1474290337

9781472575883

1472575881

OCLC:

946263271