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The Philosophy of Science
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The Philosophy of Science
Science and Objectivity


June 1997 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This comprehensive textbook provides a clear nontechnical introduction to the philosophy of science. By asking whether science can provide us with objective knowledge of the world, it provides a thorough and accessible guide to the key thinkers and debates in the field. George Couvalis discusses traditional themes such as theory and observation, induction, probability, falsification, and rationality. He also covers the more recent challenges to objectivity produced by relativists, feminists, and sociologists of knowledge. He provides a helpful framework in which to locate some key intellectual contributions, such as those of Hume, Mill, Popper, Lakatos, Kuhn, Feyerabend, Bloor, Longino, and Van Fraassen. The Philosophy of Science contains a broad-ranging overview of some major developments in the field, from the nineteenth century to the present. It will be indispensable to students and academics with an interest in science and in the production of knowledge.

 
Theory and Observation
 
Induction and Probability
 
Popper and Mill
Fallibility, Falsification and Coherence

 
 
Revolutionary Change and Rationality
Kuhn and his Rivals

 
 
Relativism and the Value of Science
 
The Sociology of Knowledge and Feminism
 
Realism and Instrumentalism

`In the preface to this book, the author explains his intention of writing a textbook on the philosophy of science that is neither too technical nor too simplistic. It is aimed at higher-education students and

academics who already have some philosophical background knowledge. The book gives a critical account of the ideas of some of the most influential philosophers of science' - Pragmatics

`The book is a good read and will doubtless find a home in many introductory courses in the philosophy of science' - Science, Technology & Society

`Couvalis is unfailingly clear, acute and learned. This well-researched, well-paced new text on the philosophy of science will be widely used and welcomed' - Professor Graham Nerlich, University of Adelaide


An interesting text which may be helpful for developing or experienced researchers

Miss Taryn Gordon
School of Health Professions, Brighton University
October 30, 2013

An insightful book but not what I had hoped it would be. Unfortunately not the text needed for the course

Mr Mark Timoney
Humanities , Sligo Institute of Technology
May 28, 2012

For instructors

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