An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (Paperback)

Kent W. Staley

ISBN 10: 1009097962 / ISBN 13: 9781009097963

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2025

About this Item

Paperback. This thoroughly updated second edition guides readers through the central concepts and debates in the philosophy of science. Using concrete examples from the history of science, Kent W. Staley addresses questions about what science is, why it is important, and the basis for trust in scientific results. The first part of the book introduces the central concepts of philosophy of science, with updated discussions of the problem of induction, underdetermination, rationality, scientific progress, and important movements such as falsificationism, logical empiricism, and postpositivism, together with a new chapter on social constructionism. The second part offers updated chapters on probability, scientific realism, explanation, and values in science, along with new discussions of the role of models in science, science in policy-making, and feminist philosophy of science. This broad yet detailed overview will give readers a strong grounding in philosophy of science whilst also providing opportunities for further exploration. Guiding readers through the central philosophical debates within the philosophy of science, this thoroughly updated second edition includes topics such as scientific rationality, objectivity, and progress; the philosophical importance of scientific models; and the impact of feminist ideas on our understanding of science. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781009097963

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009097962
• ISBN 13: 9781009097963
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This thoroughly updated second edition guides readers through the central concepts and debates in the philosophy of science.

About the Author

Kent W. Staley is Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University. He is the author of 'The Evidence for the Top Quark: Objectivity and Bias in Collaborative Experimentation' (Cambridge, 2004).