An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

by Kent W. Staley

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009097963
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/27/2025
Series:	Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	412
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.87(d)

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).

Table of Contents

List of figures; List of tables; Preface: philosophy of science for philosophers, scientists, and everyone else; Acknowledgments; List of abbreviations; Part I. Background and Basic Concepts: 1. Some problems of induction; 2. Falsificationism: science without induction?; 3. Underdetermination; 4. Logical empiricism; 5. Post-positivist views on scientific progress and rationality; Interlude. Robert Boyle's experiments with the air-pump; 6. Relativism and social constructionism;  Part II. Ongoing Investigations: 7. Scientific models and representation; 8. Reasoning with probability: Bayesianism; 9. Reasoning with probability: frequentism; 10. Realism and anti-realism; 11. Explanation; 12. Values in science and science in policy-making; 13. Feminist philosophies of science; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘This is a fine introductory text. It incorporates recent advances in philosophical research on scientific methodology, and Staley's engaging and easy-to-read style makes it an excellent work for beginning philosophy of science students.' Joseph Pitt, Virginia College of Technology

From the Publisher