The Process of Science: Contemporary Philosophical Approaches to Understanding Scientific Practice

By Nancy J. Nersessian

Book Overview

For some time now the philosophy of science has been undergoing a major transfor- mation. It began when the 'received view' of scientific knowledge -that developed by logical positivists and their intellectual descendants - was challenged as bearing little resemblance to and having little relevance for the understanding of real science. Subsequently, an overwhelming amount of criticism has been added. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would support the 'received view' today. Yet, in the search for a new analysis of scientific knowledge, this view continues to exert influence over the tenor of much of present-day philosophy of science; in particular, over its problems and its methods of analysis. There has, however, emerged an area within the discipline - called by some the 'new philosophy of science' - that has been engaged in transforming the problems and methods of philosophy of science. While there is far from a consensus of beliefs in this area, most of the following contentions would be affirmed by those working in it: - that science is an open-ended, on-going activity, whose character has changed significantly during its history - that science is not a monolithic enterprise - that good science can lead to false theories - that science has its roots in everyday circumstances, needs, methods, concepts, etc.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B00CFJP4GO
• ISBN13: 9789024734252
• Release Date: February 1987
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.6"