How much faith should we place in what scientists tell us? Is it possible for scientific knowledge to be fully 'objective'? What, really, can be defined as science? In the second edition of this Very Short Introduction, Samir Okasha explores the main themes and theories of contemporary philosophy of science, and investigates fascinating, challenging questions such as these.Starting at the very beginning, with a concise overview of the history of science, Okasha examines the nature of fundamental practices such as reasoning, causation, and explanation. Looking at scientific revolutions and the issue of scientific change, he asks whether there is a discernible pattern to the way scientific ideas change over time, and discusses realist versus anti-realist attitudes towards science. He finishes by considering science today, and the social and ethical philosophicalquestions surrounding modern science.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
1: What is science? 2: Scientific Inference 3: Explanation in science 4: Realism and anti-realism 5: Scientific change and scientific revolutions 7: Science and its critics Further reading Index
Accessing your eBook through Kortext
Once purchased, you can view your eBook through the Kortext app, available to download for Windows, Android and iOS devices. Once you have downloaded the app, your eBook will be available on your Kortext digital bookshelf and can even be downloaded to view offline anytime, anywhere, helping you learn without limits.
In addition, you'll have access to Kortext's smart study tools including highlighting, notetaking, copy and paste, and easy reference export.
To download the Kortext app, head to your device's app store or visit https://app.kortext.com to sign up and read through your browser.
NB: eBook is only available for a single-user licence (i.e. not for multiple / networked users).