
What is science? Is there a real difference between science and myth? Is science objective? Can science explain everything? This Very Short Introduction provides a concise overview of the main themes of contemporary philosophy of science. Beginning with a short history of science to set the scene, Samir Okasha goes on to investigate the nature of scientific reasoning, scientific explanation, revolutions in science, and theories such as realism and anti-realism. He also looks at philosophical issues in particular sciences, including the problem of classification in biology, and the nature of space and time in physics. The final chapter touches on the conflicts between science and religion, and explores whether science is ultimately a good thing. 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.
This book investigates the fundamental nature of scientific inquiry, questioning the boundaries between objective knowledge, myth, and the limits of scientific explanation. Samir Okasha, a professor of philosophy of science, utilizes historical context and contemporary analytical frameworks to evaluate how science functions as a method of understanding the world. The text systematically addresses the logic of scientific reasoning, the structure of scientific revolutions, and the ongoing debate between scientific realism and anti-realism.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts and educators frequently cite this work as a foundational, accessible entry point for students and laypeople interested in the philosophy of science. Readers often note the clarity of the prose, which manages to distill complex epistemological debates into a concise and manageable format.
Page Count:
154
Publication Date:
2002-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191579254
ISBN-13:
9780191579257
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