The Aim and Structure of Physical Theory (Princeton Science Library): 8 - Softcover

Duhem, Pierre Maurice Marie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 069102524X ISBN 13: 9780691025247

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1991

Synopsis

This classic work in the philosophy of physical science is an incisive and readable account of the scientific method. Pierre Duhem was one of the great figures in French science, a devoted teacher, and a distinguished scholar of the history and philosophy of science. This book represents his most mature thought on a wide range of topics.

About this title

About the Author

Pierre Duhem (1861-1916) is best known in science for his work in thermodynamics and in history of science for his treatment of the Middle Ages. He was Professor of Physics at the University of Bordeaux

From the Back Cover

"The central proposition of this famous book is that physical theories are conventions serving to economize scientific thought rather than descriptions or explanations of the way the world is made. The work remains intensely alive in a climate of opinion in which strong skepticism about scientific realism is motivated by social and political considerations that could scarcely be more at variance with Duhem's ultra-Catholic conservatism. The introduction by Jules Vuillemin, at once expository and critical, is the clearest commentary on Duhem's philosophy of science that I have had the pleasure of reading. Duhem's phenomenalism, Vuillemin points out, distinguishes between humanity and nature and opposes the naturalism that would make reason merely an aspect of the natural processes it studies."--Charles C. Gillispie, Da}ton-Stockton Professor of History of Science Emeritus, Princeton University,

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 069102524X
• ISBN 13: 9780691025247
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 388