Introduction to the Philosophy of Science: Cutting Nature at Its Seams is a clear and lively explanation of key concepts and issues in the philosophy of science. It surveys the field from positivism to social constructivism, focusing on the metaphysical implications of science as a form of knowledge gathering that explains what the world is really like, while simultaneously arguing for the superiority of a holistic model of scientific theories over competing models. An innovative feature is the use of immunology as the central domain of illustration, in contrast to other philosophy of science texts that draw examples predominantly from physics. The text also presents Thomas Kuhn's model of science clearly and accurately, rectifying the notorious and widespread misinterpretations projected upon it in the past. Klee discusses both traditional models of science and alternative interpretations, most notably nonfeminist and feminist models inspired by the work of Kuhn. Richly illustrated and complete with a glossary of over eighty key terms, this book serves as an ideal text for undergraduates, because it presents a highly accessible and contemporary investigation of science as a form of inquiry capable of revealing to us the structure of the world.
Review
"This book and Scientific Inquiry: Readings in the Philosophy of Science (edited by Robert Klee, OUP, 1998) provide an excellent introduction to the complex issues in philosophy of science. They are responsible to the challenging questions in the field and user-friendly at the same time. I couldn't teach the course without them."―Richard Rice, Loma Linda University
"An absolutely excellent text; clear, insightful, thorough. Klee has performed a real service to the field."―J. Ismael, University of Arizona
"This book contains good, interesting material in the philosophy of science and would be quite useful for such a course."―Stephen Joseph, Framingham State College
"Intelligent, lucid, and charmingly written....All ten chapters are written with a clarity and simplicity that make the book a pleasure to read and will make it a good text for an introductory course in the philosophy of science. I recommend this book most highly."―Max Hocutt, Behavior and Philosophy
"...an entirely refreshing study both for its biological emphasis (the immune system) and its sophisticated treatment of contemporary issues and positions in the philosophy of science....unusually well written."―Pete A. Y. Gunter, University of North Texas
"Excellent introduction to the issues and figures surrounding the debate over scientific realism."―Craig Payne, Indian Hills Community College
"Well written, comprehensive, and interesting."―Hugh Curtler, Southwest State University, MN
"An excellent and comprehensive examination of recent developments in the philosophy of science."―James Maffie, Colorado State University
From the Back Cover
A clear and lively explanation of key concepts and issues in the philosophy of science. It surveys the field from positivism to social constructivism, focusing on the metaphysical implications of science as a form of knowledge gathering that explains what the world is really like, while simultaneously arguing for the superiority of a holistic model of scientific theories over competing models.
Description:
Introduction to the Philosophy of Science: Cutting Nature at Its Seams is a clear and lively explanation of key concepts and issues in the philosophy of science. It surveys the field from positivism to social constructivism, focusing on the metaphysical implications of science as a form of knowledge gathering that explains what the world is really like, while simultaneously arguing for the superiority of a holistic model of scientific theories over competing models. An innovative feature is the use of immunology as the central domain of illustration, in contrast to other philosophy of science texts that draw examples predominantly from physics. The text also presents Thomas Kuhn's model of science clearly and accurately, rectifying the notorious and widespread misinterpretations projected upon it in the past. Klee discusses both traditional models of science and alternative interpretations, most notably nonfeminist and feminist models inspired by the work of Kuhn. Richly
illustrated and complete with a glossary of over eighty key terms, this book serves as an ideal text for undergraduates, because it presents a highly accessible and contemporary investigation of science as a form of inquiry capable of revealing to us the structure of the world.
Review
"This book and Scientific Inquiry: Readings in the Philosophy of Science (edited by Robert Klee, OUP, 1998) provide an excellent introduction to the complex issues in philosophy of science. They are responsible to the challenging questions in the field and user-friendly at the same time. I couldn't teach the course without them."―Richard Rice, Loma Linda University
"An absolutely excellent text; clear, insightful, thorough. Klee has performed a real service to the field."―J. Ismael, University of Arizona
"This book contains good, interesting material in the philosophy of science and would be quite useful for such a course."―Stephen Joseph, Framingham State College
"Intelligent, lucid, and charmingly written....All ten chapters are written with a clarity and simplicity that make the book a pleasure to read and will make it a good text for an introductory course in the philosophy of science. I recommend this book most highly."―Max Hocutt, Behavior and Philosophy
"...an entirely refreshing study both for its biological emphasis (the immune system) and its sophisticated treatment of contemporary issues and positions in the philosophy of science....unusually well written."―Pete A. Y. Gunter, University of North Texas
"Excellent introduction to the issues and figures surrounding the debate over scientific realism."―Craig Payne, Indian Hills Community College
"Well written, comprehensive, and interesting."―Hugh Curtler, Southwest State University, MN
"An excellent and comprehensive examination of recent developments in the philosophy of science."―James Maffie, Colorado State University
From the Back Cover
A clear and lively explanation of key concepts and issues in the philosophy of science. It surveys the field from positivism to social constructivism, focusing on the metaphysical implications of science as a form of knowledge gathering that explains what the world is really like, while simultaneously arguing for the superiority of a holistic model of scientific theories over competing models.
About the Author
Robert Klee is at Ithaca College.