Philosophy of science Books
Springer International Publishing AG Philosophy of Science for Scientists
Book SynopsisThis textbook offers an introduction to the philosophy of science. It helps undergraduate students from the natural, the human and social sciences to gain an understanding of what science is, how it has developed, what its core traits are, how to distinguish between science and pseudo-science and to discover what a scientific attitude is. It argues against the common assumption that there is fundamental difference between natural and human science, with natural science being concerned with testing hypotheses and discovering natural laws, and the aim of human and some social sciences being to understand the meanings of individual and social group actions. Instead examines the similarities between the sciences and shows how the testing of hypotheses and doing interpretation/hermeneutics are similar activities. The book makes clear that lessons from natural scientists are relevant to students and scholars within the social and human sciences, and vice versa. It teaches its readers how to effectively demarcate between science and pseudo-science and sets criteria for true scientific thinking. Divided into three parts, the book first examines the question What is Science? It describes the evolution of science, defines knowledge, and explains the use of and need for hypotheses and hypothesis testing. The second half of part I deals with scientific data and observation, qualitative data and methods, and ends with a discussion of theories on the development of science. Part II offers philosophical reflections on four of the most important concepts in science: causes, explanations, laws and models. Part III presents discussions on philosophy of mind, the relation between mind and body, value-free and value-related science, and reflections on actual trends in science.Trade Review“Target audience comprises ‘students of engineering, physics, biology, social science, medicine and nursing’ … this book allows readers from a global audience to grasp the ‘flavour’ of the long and rich Germanic and Scandinavian tradition.” (Agustín Adúriz-Bravo, Science and Education, Vol. 28, 2019)“The aim of Lars-Göran Johansson’s textbook Philosophy of Science for Scientists is … to provide an introduction to the philosophy of science for students in all fields of science. … the book is supposed to be suitable for an undergraduate level course in the philosophy of science for philosophy students.” (Amanda Thorell, Theoria, Vol. 83, 2017)“Lars-Göran Johansson’s recent book Philosophy of science for scientists is the only textbook in the philosophy of science that is addressed specifically to an audience consisting of scientists. … In its breadth of treated topics, the book can serve as a basic text to many different courses in the philosophy of science.” (Maarten Franssen, Metascience, Vol. 26, 2017)“Philosophy of Science for Scientists by Lars-Goran Johansson: a lovely textbook for undergraduates. It is a highly readable introduction to how one can view the practice of science. … this is an excellent introduction to understanding science in a general sense. Students and practitioners will find it worthwhile to read and discuss.” (David S. Mazel, MAA Reviews, maa.org, November, 2016)“This is an excellent book that can serve as a very appropriate textbook for the first course in Philosophy of Science. … it is a very well written book and is an enjoyable reading. … It is well written by a great authority in the field and I strongly recommend it to you if you are interested in to understand what science is and why science is important for knowledge and our understanding of reality.” (Philosophy, Religion and Science Book Reviews, Bookinspections.wordpress.com, July, 2016)Table of ContentsPreface and overview of the bookPart 1: What is science?.- 1. The Evolution of Science.- 2. Knowledge.- 3. Hypotheses and Hypothesis Testing.- 4. On Scientific Data.- 5. Qualitative Data and Methods.- 6. Theories about the Development of Science.- Part 2. Philosophical reflections on four core concepts in science: causes, explanations, laws and models.- 7. On Causes and Correlations.- 8. Explanations.- 9. Explanation in the Humanities and Social Sciences.- 10. Scientific Laws.- 11. Theories, Models and Reality.- Part 3. Some auxiliaries.- 12. The Mind-Body Problem.- 13. Science and Values.- 14. Some trends in science.- Appendix.- Logical Forms.- Index.
£44.99
Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG The Innermost Kernel: Depth Psychology and Quantum Physics. Wolfgang Pauli's Dialogue with C.G. Jung
Book SynopsisThe publication of W. Pauli's Scientific Correspondence by Springer-Verlag has motivated a vast research activity on Pauli's role in modern science. This excellent treatise sheds light on the ongoing dialogue between physics and psychology.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: "This revised translation of a Swedish Ph. D. thesis in philosophy offers far more than a discussion of Wolfgang Pauli’s encounters with the psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung … . Here the book explains very well how Pauli attempted to extend his understanding beyond superficial esotericism and spiritism … . To understand Pauli one needs books like this one, which … seems to open a path to a fuller understanding of Pauli, who was seeking to solve a quest even deeper than quantum physics." (Arne Schirrmacher, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2006 g) "This book is a revised and extended version of a doctoral thesis for the degree in philosophy at the University of Uppsala. It is an interesting compilation of basic material concerning Pauli and his contacts and thinking in the world of psychology. It gives moreover a good review of the man behind the physicist. The book contains very extensive bibliographic notes, and specific references. In brief, a must, for the interested reader. The hard cover book is nicely edited following Springer’s high-quality standards." (Roland Carchon, Physicalia, Vol. 28 (4-6), 2006) "Suzanne Gieser presents us with an exceptional work of scholarship, which should become a standard source of reference for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Jung’s theories and their relationship to 20th century science. … the essential framework of her study derives its form and significance at least as much from the philosophy of science, particularly the implications for Jung’s analytical psychology of the epistemological conclusions of quantum mechanics. This is really where the value of this book lies … ." (George B. Hogenson, Journal of Analytical Psychology, Vol. 53, 2008)Table of Contentsto Wolfgang Pauli’s Dialogue with C.G. Jung.- Wolfgang Pauli, the Copenhagen School and Philosophy.- The Copenhagen School and Psychology.- Pauli and Jung.- Incarnation and Quantum Physics.- Summary and Concluding Remarks.
£123.49
Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG The Chemical History of Color
Book SynopsisIn this brief, Mary Virginia Orna details the history of color from the chemical point of view. Beginning with the first recorded uses of color and ending in the development of our modern chemical industry, this rich, yet concise exposition shows us how color pervades every aspect of our lives. Our consciousness, our perceptions, our useful appliances and tools, our playthings, our entertainment, our health, and our diagnostic apparatus – all involve color and are based in no small part on chemistry.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“This work, part of the ‘SpringerBriefs’ series, emphasizes color chemistry and its history. … The short book includes chemical structures, reaction schemes, brief biographies of key individuals, and illustrations from the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Of interest to students and teachers of chemistry, as well as those in history, physics, psychology, and art. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; informed general readers.” (R. E. Buntrock, Choice, Vol. 50 (9), May, 2013)“This new book with such a unique take on the historical development of our understanding of the phenomenon that is color. … It is a delightful combination of historical accounts and anecdotes surrounding the subject of color, while at the same time dealing properly with the science. … I would recommend it as essential reading for anyone with an interest in color. … I have reviewed many books on color over the years … but I can honestly give this one my most enthusiastic recommendation.” (Robert Christie, Bulletin for the History of Chemistry, Vol. 38 (1), 2013)Table of ContentsIntroduction: Colors, Natural and Synthetic, in the Ancient World.- Discovery of the Physics of Color.- The Chemical Causes of Color.- Colorant Usage from Antiquity to the Perkin Era.- Beyond Perkin.- Major Analytical Techniques Based on Color: Volumetric Analysis; Chromatography; Spectroscopy; Color Measurement.- Color on the Biological and Biochemical Front.- Finale: Color in Foods, Photochemistry, Photoluminescence, Pharmaceuticals, Fireworks, Fun and the Future.
£54.99
Springer VS Die Wissenschaft des Subjekts
Book SynopsisWissenschaft und Subjekt.- Die wissenschaftliche Einstellung – Eine philosophische Spurensuche.- Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft.- Wissenschaft und Kritische Theorie.- Die Wissenschaft des Subjekts.- Literatur.
£52.24
Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG Das Unendliche: Mathematiker ringen um einen
Book SynopsisPhilosophen und Theologen haben über das Unendliche nachgedacht. Doch die wahre Wissenschaft vom Unendlichen ist die Mathematik.Rudolf Taschner gelingt es, diesen zentralen Begriff auch dem mathematischen Laien zu vermitteln. Auf anschauliche Weise beschreibt er, wie bereits Pythagoras, Archimedes und Euklid versucht haben, das Unendliche zu fassen. Er macht uns mit Newton und Leibniz bekannt, die entdeckten, dass das Phänomen von Bewegung und Wandel nur durch die Erforschung des Unendlichen verständlich wird. Mit Spannung kann der Leser den dramatischen Streit zwischen den unterschiedlichen Positionen von Cantor, Hilbert und Brouwer verfolgen - ein Streit, der nach den Erkenntnissen Gödels unentschiedener ist denn je. Table of ContentsPythagoras und das Unendliche im Pentagramm.- Euklid und die Unendlichkeit der Primzahlen.- Archimedes und die unendliche Erschöpfung.- Newton und die Unendlichkeit in der Bewegung.- Cantor und die unendlichen Dezimalzahlen.- Hilbert und die unendliche Gewissheit.- Brouwer und die unendliche Freiheit.
£21.53
Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG Mixed Methods in den Digital Humanities:
Book SynopsisDie Topic-informierte Diskursanalyse ist ein Mixed-Methods-Verfahren, das Methoden des Text-Mining mit der Wissenssoziologischen Diskursanalyse verbindet, um Diskurstransformationen im Zeitverlauf zu analysieren. Im ersten Teil wird das Verfahren entwickelt und der epistemologische, theoretische, methodologische und methodische Aufbau erläutert. Im zweiten Teil wird das Verfahren am Beispiel der Volkszählungs- und Zensusdebatte in Deutschland in den Jahren 1982-2020 angewendet und veranschaulicht. Das Buch richtet sich an Diskursforscher:innen und Forscher:innen der Digital Humanities, die Methoden aus beiden Fachbereichen kombiniert einsetzen und anwenden wollen.Table of ContentsAbbildungsverzeichnis 8Abkürzungsverzeichnis 9I Verfahrensentwicklung: Topic-informierte Diskursanalyse zur Analyse von Diskurstransformationen im Zeitverlauf1 Einleitung 112 Forschungsstand 202.1 Wissenschaftliche Dichotomien in der Krise 222.1.1 Big Data und das Aufbrechen etablierter Forschungsparadigmen 222.1.2 Von der Notwendigkeit eines Digitalen Forschungsparadigmas 242.2 Digital Humanities zwischen Transparadigmatischem Forschungsprogramm und paradigmatischer Positionierung 252.2.1 Digital Humanities als eigenständige Wissenschaftsdisziplin? 252.2.2 Digital Humanities zwischen digitalem Forschungsparadigma und methodischer Neutralität 272.3 Methodenstreit 2.0: Digital Humanities zwischen ‚End of Theory‘ und ‚Anything goes‘ 292.3.1 Datengeleitete versus theoriegeleitete Forschung 302.3.2 End of Theory in den Computational Sciences? 332.3.3 Anything goes – Methodenanarchismus als digitales Paradigma? 352.4 Digital Humanities zwischen ‚Digital‘ und ‚Humanities‘ 392.4.1 Der Qualitative Turn in den Digital Humanities 392.4.2 Cultural Turn in den Digital Humanities als mögliche Brückenbildung? 402.5 Bridging the Digital Gap – Dritte Wege für die Digital Humanities 423 Bridging the Paradigm Gap – Grundlegung eines integrativen Forschungsansatzes 433.1 Von inkommensurablen Paradigmen… 443.2 ...über eine Übersetzung des sozialwissenschaftlichen Forschungsprozesses in die Digital Humanities 463.2.1 Der sozialwissenschaftliche Forschungsprozess im Mixed-Methods Design 473.2.2 Vier Positionierungen im Forschungsprozess 473.3 …zur Konzeptionierung eines integrativen Forschungsansatzes im Mixed-Methods-Design 494 Epistemologische Ausrichtung und theoretische Perspektive 504.1 Sozialer Wandel als sozialer Konstruktionsprozess 524.1.1 Sozialkonstruktivistische Tradition – Wissenssoziologie nach Berger und Luckmann 534.1.2 Vom Sozialkonstruktivismus zum Diskurskonstruktivismus 554.2 Sozialer Wandel als diskursiver Konstruktionsprozess 574.2.1 Diskursbegriff 584.2.2 Eigenschaften von Diskursen 604.2.3 Regeln des Diskurses 634.3 Diskursforschung meets Digital Humanities 645 Methodologische Ausrichtung 665.1 Bridging the Methodological Gap – Text-Mining meets Diskursforschung 665.1.1 Text-Mining-Verfahren 685.1.2 Text-Mining meets Diskursforschung 705.2 Mixed-Methods meets Digital Humanities 715.2.1 Mixed-Methods-Forschung als Drittes Forschungsparadigma 715.2.2 Mixed-Methods-Forschung innerhalb einer pragmatistischen Ausrichtung 726 Forschungsdesign 766.1 Designs in der Mixed-Methods-Forschung 766.2 Das Exploratory Design 796.3 Erweiterung des Exploratory Design 816.4 Forschungsdesign für eine Topic-informierte Diskursanalyse 826.4.1 Variation 1: Sichtung des Forschungsstandes als qualitative Exploration 826.4.2 Variation 2: Erweiterung um eine quantitative Exploration 836.4.3 Variation 3: Erweiterung um eine dritte, qualitative Phase 836.5 Übersetzung des Forschungsdesigns in die Digital Humanities 846.5.1 Distant Reading 856.5.2 Das Interpretationsproblem im Distant Reading-Verfahren 866.5.3 Blended Reading als Überbrückungsmöglichkeit 866.5.4 Close Reading 876.6 Überblick Forschungsdesign 886.7 Verfahrensablauf 887 Methodik 957.1 Sozialwissenschaftliche Diskursanalyse 967.2 Die Kombination aus Diskursanalyse und Text-Mining-Verfahren 987.3 Topic-Modeling-Verfahren 997.4 Methodisches Verfahren 1038 Methodisches Vorgehen 1048.1 Close Reading I – Qualitative Exploration des Forschungsgegenstandes 1068.1.1 Qualitative Erschließung des Forschungsgegenstandes 1068.1.2 Erste Kategorien- und Hypothesenbildung 1068.1.3 Auswahl des Untersuchungsgegenstandes und Erstellung des Datenkorpus 1068.1.4 Bildung von Untersuchungsleitfragen für die Qualitative Analyse 1078.2 Distant Reading – Quantitative Analyse und Exploration des Datenkorpus 1078.2.1 Hypothesenprüfung mittels Frequenzanalysen und Topic-Modeling 1078.2.2 Identifikation der Topics mittels Topic-Modeling 1088.3 Blended Reading: Deskriptive Topic-Analyse und Diskursstrukturanalyse 1088.3.1 Deskriptive Topic-Analyse und Diskursstrukturanalyse 1098.3.2 Identifikation der Gegenstände und Begriffe 1098.3.3 KWIC-Analyse zur Identifikation der Strategien und Äußerungsmodaltäten 1108.3.4 Stichprobenziehung für das Close Reading-II-Verfahren 1128.4 Close Reading II: Qualitative Tiefenanalyse mittels Wissenssoziologischer Diskursanalyse 1128.4.1 Wissenssoziologische Diskursanalyse nach Reiner Keller 1138.4.2 Analyse des Diskursinhalts 114II Anwendungsbeispiel: Die Untersuchung von Transformationen im Privatheitsdiskurs mit der Topic-informierten Diskursanalyse 9 Close Reading I: Forschungsgegenstand Privatheitsdiskurse im Wandel 1179.1 Genese einer komplexen Dichotomie im Wandel 1189.2 Wandlungsprozesse des Privaten 1209.2.1 Die Oikos-Polis-Unterscheidung 1219.2.2 Repräsentative Öffentlichkeit und Privatleute 1229.2.3 Bürgerliche Öffentlichkeit und Privatwirtschaft 1239.2.4 Liberalismus und der Aufstieg des Primats der Privatheit 1259.2.5 Privatheit als Grundvoraussetzung autonomer, demokratischer Subjekte 1269.3 Liberale Privatheitstheorien 1279.3.1 Das Private als Schutzsphäre 1289.3.2 Das Private als weiblicher Aufgabenbereich 1309.3.3 Das Private als patriarchales Herrschaftsinstrument 1329.4 Privatheit im öffentlichen Wandel – die Entlokalisierung des Privaten 1349.5 Die Digitalisierung und ihr Einfluss auf die Bedeutung des Privatheitsbegriffs 1389.5.1 Merkmale der Digitalisierung und Datafizierung 1399.5.2 Kritik am digitalen Medienwandel 1449.6 Die digitale Veröffentlichung der Privatheit 1489.6.1 Das Privacy Paradox 1499.6.2 Selbstveröffentlichung als neue Normalität – Gewöhnungseffekte im Web 2.0 1519.6.3 Diskurstheoretische Sichtweisen – Das Veröffentlichungsdispositiv 1529.6.4 Subjekttheoretische Sichtweisen – Die Selbstkonstitution des Subjekts durch Veröffentlichung: Die Subjektivierungsthese nach Bublitz 1569.7 Zusammenfassung 1599.8 Vorbereitung der Untersuchung 1639.8.1 Diskursstränge und diskursive Verdichtungen des Privaten 1639.8.2 Die Volkszählungs- und Zensusdebatte als ein Diskursstrang im Privatheitsdiskurs 16510 Analyseraster 16510.1 Das Problem umfangreicher Datengrundlagen 16510.2 Untersuchungsgegenstand: Der Diskurs zu Volkszählung und Zensus im Zeitverlauf 16710.2.1 Die Volkszählungsdebatte als Untersuchungsgegenstand 16710.2.2 Volkszählung und Zensus – ein kurzer historischer Aufriss 16810.2.3 Das Volkszählungsurteil vom 15.12.1983 17110.2.4 Zentrale Kritikpunkte an der Volkszählung 17810.2.5 Gründe für die Protestbewegungen 18010.3 Medienauswahl – Tageszeitungen als diskursive Austragungsorte der Volkszählungs- und Zensusdebatte 18610.3.1 Auswahl der Zeitungen 18710.3.2 Auswahl der Artikel 18810.4 Auswahl der Untersuchungszeiträume: Diskursive Ereignisse als strukturierende Komponente zur Korpuseingrenzung 18810.4.1 Diskursive Ereignisse 18910.4.2 Auswahl der Untersuchungszeiträume 19111 Hypothesenbildung und Forschungsfragen 19412 Korpuserstellung und Datenaufbereitung 19912.1 Korpuserstellung 19912.2 Datenvoraufbereitung 20012.2.1 Vereinheitlichung 20012.2.2 Tokenisierung und Textbereinigung 20012.2.3 Lemmatisierung 20112.2.4 Datentransformation: DTM und Topic-Modelle 20213 Analyse 20313.1 Distant Reading 20313.1.1 Überblick und deskriptive Analyse 20413.1.2 Hypothesenprüfung 20613.1.3 Quantitative Topic-Exploration 20913.2 Blended Reading 21413.2.1 Deskriptive Topic-Analyse 21413.2.2 KWIC zur Stichprobenziehung 22113.2.3 Diskursstrukturanalyse 22213.3 Close Reading-II 23713.3.1 Oberflächenanalyse 23713.3.2 Feinanalyse 24514 Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse 25714.1 Überblick der Ergebnisse 25814.1.1 Zusammenfassung Close Reading-I 25814.1.2 Zusammenfassung Distant Reading 25814.1.3 Zusammenfassung Blended Reading 26014.1.4 Zusammenfassung Close Reading-II 26314.2 Privatheit im digitalen Wandel 26614.2.1 Die Denormalisierung der Privatheit und die Normalisierung der Veröffentlichung 26614.2.2 Ausblick: Die Rekonstruktion des Privaten 2.0 26715 Diskussion und Reflexion 26915.1 Forschungsprozess 27015.2 Forschungsdesign 27115.2.1 Die Verbindung von Mixed-Methods und Digital Humanities 27115.2.2 Forschungsgegenstand 27215.2.3 Forschungsablauf 27215.3 Analyseraster 27315.3.1 Eingrenzung des Untersuchungsgegenstands 27415.3.2 Eingrenzung der untersuchten Medien 27415.3.3 Eingrenzung der Untersuchungszeiträume 27515.4 Daten 27615.4.1 Datenauswahl 27615.4.2 Datenstruktur 27715.5 Methodik und Methodeneinsatz 27815.5.1 Mehrwert des entwickelten Verfahrens 27815.5.2 Topic-Modeling-Verfahren 27915.5.3 Text-Mining in Kombination mit qualitativen Interpretationsverfahren 28316 Ausblick 28516.1 Auf dem Weg zur Wissenschaft 2.0? 28516.2 Postdisziplinäres Forschungsparadigma für zukünftige Forschungsvorhaben 28716.3 Digital Humanities als Brückenbildner:innen zur Wissenschaft 2.0 28816.4 Wissenschaft zwischen Digitalisierungsoptimismus und Digitalisierungspessimismus 28917 Literaturverzeichnis
£54.99
Springer The Reduction of Physical Theories
Book SynopsisIntroduction.- Reduction to relativistic theories.- Reduction to general relativity.- Micro-reductions.- Classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
£128.24
Springer Licht
Book Synopsis1 Augenlicht: Griechische Antike und Helenismus.- 2 Göttliches Licht: Finsteres Mittelalter.- 3 Ex oriente lux: Islamisches Mittelalter. - 4 Sternenlicht: Neuzeit. - 5 Ratio: Zeitgeist vor Newton. - 6 Lichtteilchen: Isaac Newtons Experimente und Theorie. - 7 Lichtwellen: als Alternative zu Lichtteilchen. - 8 Interferenz: Vorläufiges Ende der Lichtteilchen. - 9 Elektrodynamik: Licht als elektromagnetische Welle. - 10 Lichtquanten: Das Photon. - 11 Symmetrie: Übertragung auf andere Naturkräfte. -12 Kosmisches Licht: Licht in Kosmologie und Astrophysik. -13 Lichtwerkzeuge: Vom Mikroskop zum Synchrotronlicht. - 14 Verschränkung: Rätselhafte Konsequenzen der Quantenmechanik.
£24.99
Springer-Verlag GmbH Die materiellen Grundlagen der deutschen Geschichte
£22.99
Linkgua Examen de ingenios para las ciencias
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Vince Inc Press, VIP Game Theory: 5 Questions
£19.57
Vince Inc Press, VIP Philosophy of Mathematics: 5 Questions
£24.00
Brill Time and Time Again: Reports from a Boundary of the Universe
Book SynopsisThis work represents a guided tour to the interdisciplinary, integrated study of time. Through twenty-two connected essays, selected from the author's extensive writings, Time and Time Again advances new insights into understanding the nature of time seen through philosophy, the arts and letters, the sciences of matter, life, mind and society. Traditionally, attitudes to future, past, and present remained distinct for different cultures. But upon the globalizing earth, all cultural regions are now in instant by instant communication. There is a consequent turmoil about individual and collective identities and about value judgments, in all of which attitudes to time play crucial roles. The book explores this turmoil and, through its references, it also serves as a guide to the broadly spread literature about time.Trade Review'"Time and Time Again: Reports from a Boundary of the Universe" deserves to be regarded as a canonical work for humankind's journey into the 21st century. Like Hermann Hesse's Glass Bead Game master, Julius Thomas Fraser plays with the Study of Time with intellectual rigor and lyrical beauty. ' (B. Caithness)Table of ContentsThe Whir and the Bell 1. The change ringing cosmos COMPLEXITY AND ITS MEASURE 2 From timelessness to time OUT OF PLATO’S CAVE: THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TIME 3. Reality as examined appearances THE EXTENDED UMWELT PRINCIPLE 4. What kind of a universe to expect MATHEMATICS AND TIME 5. The beginning or origin of time THE SECULAR MYSTERY OF THE FIRST DAY 6. Contraining chaos FROM CHAOS TO CONFLICT 7. Those metaphysical devices CLOCKWORKS BEYOND THEMSELVES 8. How to use a clock SPACE-TIME IN THE STUDY OF TIME 9. Coordinated clock shops TIME AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE 10. From puppy love to faithful love TEMPORAL LEVELS: A FUNDAMENTAL SYNTHESIS 11. Logos at the edge of the cosmos TEMPORAL LEVELS AND REALITY TESTING 12. Unbounding society TIME, INFINITY, AND THE WORLD IN ENLIGHTENMENT THOUGHT 13. That awesome gift HUMAN FREEDOM 14. Opiates that civilize TIME FELT, TIME UNDERSTOOD 15. How to perpetuate conflicts CHANGE, PERMANENCE, AND HUMAN VALUES 16. The true TRUTH AS A RECOGNITION OF PERMANENCE 17. Music do I hear? HOMER, BORGES, AND THE PIED PIPER. 18 A different wonder THE PROBLEMS OF EXPORTING FAUST 19. Being a one-and-only TIME, GLOBALIZATION, AND THE NASCENT IDENTITY OF MANKIND 20. Turmoil at the anthill threshold HAMLET’S CASTLE IN CYBERSPACE 21. Whose past is our prologue? REFLECTIONS UPON AN EVOLVING MIRROR 22 Expanding the universe
£147.20
Brill Integrated Truth and Existential Phenomenology: A Thomistic Response to Iconic Anti-Realists in Science
Book SynopsisIntegrated Truth and Existential Phenomenology: A Thomistic Response to Iconic Anti-Realists in Science relates an existential phenomenology to modal reasoning. By this reasoning, rooted in a consciousness of phenomena in themselves, a Thomistic realism is advanced wherein scientific inquiry yields objective truth and presupposes a causal principle. This principle, as an inferably true modality, strictly implies a first cause. And this cause as a supreme norm, causally created human nature as it ought to be. So with no naturalistic fallacy, a naturalistic ethics is inferred from our psycho-biological nature that also informs art and politics. Politics, as the institutionalization of ethics, is inferable from ethical prescriptions that are as certifiably true as the descriptions of science that inform it.Table of ContentsEDITORIAL FOREWORD KENNETH A. BRYSON xvii Foreword by Peter A. Redpath xiii Preface xxi ONE Existential Phenomenology and Truth in Science 1. Dilemmas of Truth that Afflict Realism 2. A Weak Realism Despite the Dilemmas? 3. A Robust Realism for Mature Theories 4. Theory-Dependence Vs. a Consciousness-Rooted Realism TWO Realism Rooted in Observational Consciousness 1. Consciousness and Reality 2. Reality of a Paradox to a Paradoxical Consciousness 3. Existential Phenomenology: An Antidote to Neuroscience Sophistry and Other Substitutes for Philosophy 4. The Recurring Seductions of Self-Refuting Reductionisms 5. Should Neuroscience Study the Phenomena of Neuroscience and Disbelief in God? 6. Anti-Phenomenological Footings of Neuroscience Philosophy 7. How Philosophy was Previously Skewed by Aping Science 8. Contra Kant: Consciousness of a Thereness Apart From Thought 9. Consciousness of Aspects of Phenomena 10. Seeing Non-Epistemologically in the Analytic Tradition 11. In This Tradition, Seeing Epistemologically THREE From Cultural Relativism as a Species of Realism to Realism in Science 1. A Common-Sense Inference of True Theories Versus an Everyday Contextual Relativism 2. Realism as Opposed to a Politically-Correct Cultural Relativism 3. Phenomenological and Logical Support of Realism 4. Scientific Significance of Aspects of Phenomena 5. An Anti-Realist K-K Thesis Surmounted by Common Sense 6. A Phenomenological Explanation of Historical Developments 7. The Developments Include Free Will and Causal Determinism FOUR Scientific Realism and Problems of Observation 1. Theory Vs. Theory-Neutral Observation 2. Observation-Theoretical Distinctions Or Differences in Degree? 3. Theory-Laden Observation and Observational Consciousness 4. Observational Footing is Not a Physics-Friendly Metaphysics 5. Metaphysics Vs. Modal Logic and a Phenomenology of Observation 6. Observation-Laden Theory: Are Theoretical Entities Observed? 7. Observation via Existential Phenomenology is Not a Theory FIVE The Turn From Realism Roused by a Self-Avowed Realist 1. Covert Influence of Popper’s Anti-Realism 2. A Preamble to Popper’s Problems in the Philosophy of Science 3. The Overlooked Origin of Observation Statements as Falsifiers 4. How Falsificationism is Ungrounded by Observation 5. An Anti-Realism of Kuhn’s Radical Relativism 6. From Relativism to Post-Modern Reinventions of Self and Theories 7. The Relation of Science to Sophists and Super Scientists 8. A Peculiar Case of Missing the Profound Point about Popper 9. Radical Empiricism Fueling Feyerabend’s Anarchy 10. Feyerabend’s Anti-Establishment Think-Tank-Like Conjectures 11. Conjectures Vs. Sartre’s Strange Support of Aristotle and Thomas SIX A Return to Scientific Realism 1. Commensurability: A Presupposition of Scientific Progress 2. Truth Upheld by De Re and De Dicto Impossibilities? 3. The Impossibilities are not Undercut by Meaning Variances 4. Verisimilitude: Increasing Truth, Not Truth-likeness 5. Problem of Ascribing Truth to Theories as Conjunctive Propositions 6. Propositional Logic Vs. What It Makes Sense to Say 7. Is it Senseless to Say that Superseded Theories are Still True? 8. Truth is an Attainable Aim of Methodology 9. A Methodology Tolerating New Phenomena Not Being Duplicated 10. From Eventual Duplication to Novelty and New Research 11. From Research and Success to the Issue of Internal Inconsistency SEVEN Scientific Truth Informs Truths of Ethics, Art and Politics 1. Integrated Truth with Its Starting Point in Real Existence 2. Existence Subject to Causes Understood Methodologically 3. Modalities in Science Presuppose the Causal Principle 4. Preamble: the Causal Principle Strictly Implies a First Cause 5. Does Evolution Exclude a First-Cause Creator? Is this Creator Inferred Invalidly? 6. A Soundly Inferred God Averts Kierkegaard’s “Leap of Faith” DIAGRAM: KIERKEGAARD’S “LEAP OF FAITH”…IS AVERTED BY THE BRIDGE OF NATURAL THEOLOGY 7. A “Leap of Faith” Avoided by Sound Modal Reasoning 8. Inferring a First Cause and Its Integration of Truth in Science, Ethics, Art and Politics 9. The Sound Inference of a First Cause and the Conditional 10. Denying a First Cause and Rise of the Naturalistic Fallacy 11. A First Cause and Our Psychobiological Nature Being as it Ought to Be 12. Ethical Truth Favoring the Family is Inferable from Science 13. Scientific Truth Informs Truth in Art, Architecture and Music 14. Political Truth is Informed by Truths of Ethics and Science INFERENCES IN THIS ESSAY: INTEGRATING TRUTHS IN SCIENCE, THEOLOGY, ETHICS, ART AND POLITICS Bibliography Index
£58.40
Brill Metaphysics in Contemporary Physics
Book SynopsisThe book Metaphysics in Contemporary Physics offers various perspectives on the relation and mutual influence between modern physical theories and analytic metaphysics. The authors of the contributions are philosophers of science, physicists and metaphysicians of international renown, and their work represents the cutting edge in modern metaphysics of physical sciences.Table of ContentsTomasz Bigaj and Christian Wüthrich: Introduction. Steven French and Kerry McKenzie: Rethinking Outside the Toolbox: Reflecting Again on the Relationship between Philosophy of Science and Metaphysics. Douglas Kutach: Ontology: An Empirical Fundamentalist Approach. Vincent Lam: Quantum Structure and Spacetime. Dean Rickles and Jessica Bloom: Things Ain’t What They Used to Be. Physics Without Objects . Olimpia Lombardi and Dennis Dieks: Particles in a Quantum Ontology of Properties. Tomasz Bigaj: Essentialism and Modern Physics . Thomas Møller-Nielsen: Symmetry and Qualitativity. Matteo Morganti: Relational Time. Antonio Vassallo: General Covariance, Diffeomorphism Invariance, and Background Independence in 5 Dimensions. Ioan Muntean: A Metaphysics from String Dualities: Pluralism, Fundamentalism, Modality. Adam Caulton: Is Mereology Empirical? Composition for Fermions. Andreas Hüttemann: Physicalism and the Part-Whole Relation. Jessica Wilson: Metaphysical Emergence: Weak and Strong. Mauro Dorato and Michael Esfeld: The Metaphysics of Laws: Dispositionalism vs. Primitivism. Marek Kuś: Classical and Quantum Sources of Randomness. Jeremy Butterfield and Nazim Bouatta: Renormalization for Philosophers.
£153.60
Brill The Limits of Science: An Analysis from “Barriers” to “Confines”
Book SynopsisThe problem of the limits of science is twofold. First, there is the problem of demarcation, i.e., the boundaries or “barriers” between what is science and what is not science. Second, there is the problem of the ceiling of scientific activity, which leads to the “confines” of this human enterprise. These two faces of the problem of the limits — the “barriers” and the “confines” of science — require a new analysis, which is the task of this book. The authors take into account the Kantian roots but they are focused on the current stage of the philosophical and methodological analyses of science. This vision looks to supersede the Kantian approach in order to reach a richer conception of science.Table of ContentsPreface The Problem of the Limits of Science in the Present Context Wenceslao J. Gonzalez (University of A Coruña) I) Limits as Frontiers and as Confines “Rethinking the Limits of Science: From the Difficulties Regarding the Frontiers to the Concern about the Confines,” Wenceslao J. Gonzalez (University of A Coruña) “The Uncertain Frontier between Scientific Theories and Metaphysical Research Programmes,” Juan Arana (University of Seville). “Cognitive Problems and Practical Limits: Can Computers Overcome our Limitations?,” Nicholas Rescher (University of Pittsburgh). II) Two Poles of Analysis: Language and Ethics “Language and the Limits of Science,” Ladislav Kvasz (University of Prague). “Ethical Limits of Science, Especially Economics,” Gereon Wolters (University of Konstanz). III) Epistemological Limits to Science “Predicting and Knowability: The Problem of Future Knowledge,” Nicholas Rescher (University of Pittsburgh). “The Limits of Future Knowledge: An Analysis of Nicholas Rescher's Epistemological Approach,” Amanda Guillan (University of A Coruña). “The Limits of Information Science,” Antonio Bereijo (University of A Coruña) IV) The Limits from Inside and the Limits from Outside “Rescher and Gadamer: Two Complementary Views of the Limits of Sciences,” Alfredo Marcos (University of Valladolid). “The Obstacles to Scientific Prediction: An Analysis of the Limits of Predictability from the Ontology of Science,” Amanda Guillan (University of A Coruña). Index of Names Subject Index
£97.60
Brill Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change
Book SynopsisAnimal experimentation has been one of the most controversial areas of animal use, mainly due to the intentional harms inflicted upon animals for the sake of hoped-for benefits in humans. Despite this rationale for continued animal experimentation, shortcomings of this practice have become increasingly more apparent and well-documented. However, these limitations are not yet widely known or appreciated, and there is a danger that they may simply be ignored. The 51 experts who have contributed to Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change critically review current animal use in science, present new and innovative non-animal approaches to address urgent scientific questions, and offer a roadmap towards an animal-free world of science.Table of ContentsForeword Peter Singer Preface Kathrin Herrmann and Kimberley Jayne Acknowledgement Notes on Contributors Introduction Kathrin Herrmann and Kimberley Jayne Part 1: Why and How to Shift the Paradigm 1 Refinement on the Way Towards Replacement: Are We Doing What We Can? Kathrin Herrmann 2 How to Evaluate the Science of Non-human Animal Use in Biomedical Research and Testing: A Proposed Format for Debate Ray Greek and Lisa A. Kramer 3 How Can the Final Goal of Completely Replacing Animal Procedures Successfully be Achieved? Christiane Baumgartl-Simons and Christiane Hohensee 4 Disease Prevention with a Plant-based Lifestyle Sabina Vyas Part 2: Politics and Legislation of Animal Experimentation 5 Political Campaigning: Where Scientific and Ethical Arguments Meet Public Policy Emily McIvor 6 Rethinking the 3Rs: From Whitewashing to Rights Charlotte E. Blattner 7 Contesting Animal Experiments through Ethics and Epistemology: In Defense of a Political Critique of Animal Experimentation Arianna Ferrari Part 3: Openness in Animal Experimentation 8 The Moral Status of Animal Research Subjects in Industry: A Stakeholder Analysis Sarah Kenehan 9 Increasing the Transparency of Animal Experimentation: An Australian Perspective Monika Merkes and Rob Buttrose 10 Wasted Money in United States Biomedical and Agricultural Animal Research Jim Keen Part 4: The Ethics and Philosophy of Animal Experimentation 11 Ethics, Efficacy, and Decision-making in Animal Research Lawrence A. Hansen and Kori Ann Kosberg 12 Beyond Plausibility Checks: A Case for Moral Doubt in Review Processes of Animal Experimentation Mara-Daria Cojocaru and Philipp von Gall 13 Human Wrongs in Animal Research: A Focus on Moral Injury and Reification Jane Johnson and Anna Smajdor Part 5: Effectiveness of the Animal Model 14 Critically Evaluating Animal Research Andrew Knight 15 Extrapolation of Animal Research Data to Humans: An Analysis of the Evidence Rebecca Ram 16 Is Animal-based Biomedical Research being Used in Its Original Context? Constança Carvalho, Daniel Alves, Andrew Knight and Luis Vicente 17 The Scientific Problems with Using Non-human Animals to Predict Human Response to Drugs and Disease Ray Greek and Lisa A. Kramer 18 Replacing Animal Tests to Improve Safety for Humans Kathy Archibald, Robert Coleman and Tamara Drake 19 Genetic Modification of Animals: Scientific and Ethical Issues Jarrod Bailey 20 Animal Research for Alzheimer Disease: Failures of Science and Ethics John J. Pippin, Sarah E. Cavanaugh and Francesca Pistollato 21 Behavioral Research on Captive Animals: Scientific and Ethical Concerns Kimberley Jayne and Adam See Part 6: Animal-free Education and Training 22 Modernizing Biomedical Training: Replacing Live Animal Laboratories with Human Simulation John Pawlowski, David Feinstein, Marie L. Crandall and Shalin Gala 23 Humane Education: The Tool for Scientific Revolution in Brazil Vanessa Carli Bones, Rita de Cassia Maria Garcia, Gutemberg Gomes Alves, Rita Leal Paixão, Alexandro Aluísio Rocha, Karynn Capilé and Róber Bachinski Part 7: The Paradigm Shift: Advanced Animal-free Approaches 24 Recent Developments in Alternatives to Animal Testing Katy Taylor 25 The Changing Paradigm in Preclinical Toxicology: in vitro and in silico Methods in Liver Toxicity Evaluations Fozia Noor 26 The Potential of Organ on Chip Technology for Replacing Animal Testing Malcolm Wilkinson 27 When is an Alternative Not an Alternative? Supporting Progress for Absolute Replacement of Animals in Science Craig Redmond 28 Research and Testing Without Animals: Where are We Now and Where are We Heading? Thomas Hartung Afterword: Evidence Over Interests John P. Gluck Index
£164.80
Brill Practicing Safe Sects: Religious Reproduction in Scientific and Philosophical Perspective
Book SynopsisWhere do gods come from – and what is the cost of bearing them? In Practicing Safe Sects F. LeRon Shults argues for the importance of having “the talk” about the causes and consequences of participating in religious sects. To survive and thrive as a social species, we humans are likely to continue needing some kind of sects (as well as sex) for quite some time. But can we learn how to practice safe sects? Can we live together in healthy and productive social networks without reproducing the superstitious beliefs and segregative behaviors that are engendered and nurtured by shared ritual engagement with imagined supernatural agents? In this provocative and timely book, Shults provides scientific and philosophical resources for answering these questions.
£139.20
Brill Paul Ricoeur’s Idea of Reference: The Truth as Non-Reference
Book SynopsisThis book investigates the importance of Ricoeur’s hermeneutics and poetics in rethinking humanities. In particular, Ricoeur’s insights on reference as refiguration and his idea of interpretation as a triadic process (which consists of mimesis 1 – prefiguration, mimesis 2 – configuration, and mimesis 3 – refiguration) will be applied to philosophy of science and to literary and historical texts. It will be shown that Ricoeur’s idea of emplotment can be extended and applied to scientific, literary and historical texts. This multidisciplinary research will include philosophy of science, metaphysics, hermeneutics, and literary theory.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1 Ricœur’s Idea of Reference as Refiguration: the Non-Descriptive Reference of Literary Work 1 Introduction 2 Ricœur’s Idea of Reference as Refiguration 3 Ricœur’s Conception of Threefold Mimesis 4 The Concept of Null-Reference 5 Conclusion 2 The Truth as Non-Reference: the Realist and Anti-Realist Conception of Reference 1 Introduction 2 Reference as Refiguration in Science 3 The Success of Non-Referring Concepts: a Hermeneutic Aspect of Reference 4 Conclusion 3 Ricœur’s Concept of Reference Applied to Theories of Scientific Realism and to Historical Texts: Real versus Unreal 1Introduction 2The Question of Truth in the Theories of Scientific Realism and in the Historical and Fictional Narratives 3Realism and the Realm of Possibility 4Conclusion 4 The Universality of Hermeneutic and Narrative Experience: Ricœur’s Narrative Theory Applied to Science 1 Introduction 2 Explanation and Understanding in the History of Science and Philosophy 3 Binary Oppositions in Science 4 Ricœur’s Dialectics between Explanation and Understanding 5 Ricœur’s Narrative Theory Applied to Science 6 Narrative Understanding: Mediating between Fictional and Historical Texts 7 Conclusion 5 Ricœur’s Idea of Metamorphoses of Narrative Plots 1 Introduction 2 Ricœur’s Idea of Narrative Paradigm: A Question about the Limits of Plot 3 Transhistorical Schematism of Narration 4 Conclusion 6 The Idea of Truth as Non-Reference in Literature 1 Introduction 2 Art as the Personal Truth of the Author in Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita 3 Artistic and Religious Conception of Truth 4 The Idea of Truth as Non-Reference in Borges’ “Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius” 5 Conclusion References Name Index Subject Index
£59.20
Brill Nicole Oresme, Questiones in Meteorologica de ultima lectura, recensio parisiensis: Study of the Manuscript Tradition and Critical Edition of Books I-II.10
Book SynopsisNicole Oresme was one of the most original and influential thinkers of the fourteenth century. He is best known for his mathematical discoveries, his economic theories, as well as his vernacular translations of cosmological and ethical texts that were undertaken at the request of King Charles V. This volume sheds light on the beginning of Oresme's scientific activity at the University of Paris (ca. 1340 – ca. 1350), a period of his intellectual career about which little is known. Over the course of this decade, Oresme lectured on many Aristotelian texts on natural philosophy, such as the Physics, On the Heavens, On generation and corruption, Meteorology, and On the Soul. Oresme's commentaries on Aristotle's Meteorology count among his only unpublished texts. This volume presents the first critical edition of books I-II.10 of the second redaction of Oresme's Questions on Meteorology. The edition is preceded by a historical and philological introduction that discusses the context of Oresme’s scientific career and examines the manuscript tradition.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction: The Strange Case of the Second Redaction of Oresme’s Questions on Meteorology The Manuscript Tradition of the Second Redaction of Nicole Oresme’s Questions on Meteorology: Manuscript Descriptions and a Study of Their Relationships Manuscript Descriptions Overview of the Manuscripts Relationships between the Manuscripts: A Twofold Tradition Location of the Questions in the Manuscripts Editorial Principles Nicole Oresme, Questiones in Meteorologica de ultima lectura, recensio parisiensis Liber I I.1 Utrum possibile sit de impressionibus meteorologicis habere simul scientiam et opinionem I.2 Utrum impressiones meteorologice fiant secundum naturam inordinatiorem quam sit natura celi I.3 Utrum iste mundus inferior sit continuus lationibus superioribus ut virtus eius inde gubernetur I.4 Utrum, cessante motu celi, cessarent motus in isto mundo inferiori I.5 Utrum eedem opiniones infinities reiterentur I.6 Utrum elementa sint continue proportionalia ad invicem I.7 Utrum quatuor elementa semper et immutabiliter habeant eandem proportionem ad invicem I.8 Utrum motus celi sit causa calefactionis ignis in sua spera et etiam aeris superioris I.9 Utrum lumen sit productivum caloris I.10 Utrum contrarium circumstans suum contrarium fortificet ipsum I.11 Utrum semper media regio aeris sit frigida I.12 Utrum omnium impressionum meteorologicarum vapor et exalatio fuerit principium materiale I.13 Utrum impressiones ignite, seu ille que fiunt per inflammationem, fiant naturaliter in aere I.14 Utrum de nocte, serenitate existente, debeant apparere hyatus et voragines et sanguinei colores in celo I.15 Utrum cometa sit de natura celi vel elementari I.16 Utrum cometa sit exalatio calida et inflammata I.17 Utrum motus comete sit naturalis vel violentus I.18 Utrum comete significent mortem principum, siccitatem et ventos et motus terre I.19 Utrum galaxia sit de natura celi vel de natura elementari Liber II II.1 Utrum locus generationis pluvie sit media regio aeris II.2 Utrum ros et pruina, nix et pluvia, sint eiusdem speciei II.3 Utrum grandines magis debeant generari in hieme quam in autumno II.4 Utrum aqua calida applicata frigori congelanti citius congeletur quam aqua frigida II.5 Utrum rubedo matutina sit signum pluvie II.6 Utrum caligo sit signum pluvie future II.7 Utrum aqua naturaliter ascendat ad orificia fontium II.8 Utrum aque fontium generentur in terra II.9 Utrum mare sit perpetuum vel aliquando fuerit factum II.10 Utrum mare debeat fluere et refluere Appendix Bibliography Index codicum Index fontium Index rerum Index nominum antiquorum Index nominum modernorum
£127.20
Brill Practicing Safe Sects: Religious Reproduction in Scientific and Philosophical Perspective
Book SynopsisWhere do gods come from – and what is the cost of bearing them? In Practicing Safe Sects F. LeRon Shults argues for the importance of having “the talk” about the causes and consequences of participating in religious sects. To survive and thrive as a social species, we humans are likely to continue needing some kind of sects (as well as sex) for quite some time. But can we learn how to practice safe sects? Can we live together in healthy and productive social networks without reproducing the superstitious beliefs and segregative behaviors that are engendered and nurtured by shared ritual engagement with imagined supernatural agents? In this provocative and timely book, Shults provides scientific and philosophical resources for answering these questions.
£48.00
Brill Mathematics and Physics in Classical Islam: Comparative Perspectives in the History and the Philosophy of Science
Book SynopsisThis book highlights the emergence of a new mathematical rationality and the beginning of the mathematisation of physics in Classical Islam. Exchanges between mathematics, physics, linguistics, arts and music were a factor of creativity and progress in the mathematical, the physical and the social sciences. Goods and ideas travelled on a world-scale, mainly through the trade routes connecting East and Southern Asia with the Near East, allowing the transmission of Greek-Arabic medicine to Yuan Muslim China. The development of science, first centred in the Near East, would gradually move to the Western side of the Mediterranean, as a result of Europe’s appropriation of the Arab and Hellenistic heritage. Contributors are Paul Buell, Anas Ghrab, Hossein Masoumi Hamedani, Zeinab Karimian, Giovanna Lelli, Marouane ben Miled, Patricia Radelet-de Grave, and Roshdi Rashed.Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Notes on Contributors Introduction Giovanna Lelli 1 Science in Islam and Classical Modernity Roshdi Rashed 2 Physics and Mathematical Sciences in the Islamic Period: A Conceptual Survey Hossein Masaoumi Hamedani 3 Ibn al-Haytham: between Mathematics and Physics Roshdi Rashed 4 La musique parmi les sciences dans les textes arabes médiévaux Anas Ghrab 5 Traditional and Modern Science in an Age of Transition: ʿAlī Muḥammad Iṣfahānī and the Logarithm of Numbers Zeinab Karimian 6 Formalism and Language in the Beginnings of Arabic Algebra Marouane ben Miled 7 Art and Mathematics, Two Different Paths to the Same Truth Patricia Radelet-de Grave 8 The Pre-history of the Principle of Relativity Patricia Radelet-de Grave 9 Intersections between Social and Scientific Thought: The Notion of muṭābaqa in the Muqaddima of Ibn Khaldūn Giovanna Lelli 10 Arabic Medicine in China: Content and Context Paul D. Buell Index
£91.20
Brill The Game of Contradictions: The Philosophy of Friedrich Engels and Nineteenth Century Science
Book SynopsisWhat is the nature of the ‘laws’ that Marx and Engels sought to formulate for the development of capitalism? How to understand and judge Engels's attempt to formulate a general philosophy and worldview? These are the questions highlighted in this magnificent work that situates Marx and Engels’s writing against the background of the entire nineteenth-century world of scientific problems, from physics to historiography. One of the major contributions to scholarship on Marx, Engels and nineteenth-century science, Liedman’s work is here presented in English translation and with a new preface by the author.Table of ContentsPreface to the English Translation The Game of Contradictions Foreword Introduction Part One 1 Back to Hegel 2 The Rational Method 3 Engels on Marx and Hegel 4 The Encounter with the Natural Sciences Part Two 5 The Return of the Systems 6 Conservation of Energy, and Systems 7 Darwinism: Hypothesis or Worldview? 8 The Human Sciences 9 Facts and Laws about Humanity 10 Texts, Structures and Systems Part Three 11 Engels’s Four Periods 12 The Literary Sources 13 The Direct Inspirations 14 Theory and Empiricism: The Three Tendencies 15 Inorganic Nature 16 Biology and Human Science Part Four 17 Ideology and Science 18 The Debates on Darwinism and Socialism 19 Engels and Ideology Sources and Literature Index of Subjects
£180.00
Brill The Arabic Writing Tradition an Historical Survey
Book Synopsis
£205.20
Springer Determinism and Freewill: Anthony Collins’ A Philosophical Inquiry Concerning Human Liberty
Book SynopsisThe Philosophical Inquiry concerning Human Liberty of Anthony Collins' was considered by Joseph Priestley and Voltaire to be the best book written on freewill up to their own time. Priestley admitted that it convert ed him to determinism and it had a powerful effect on Voltaire in the same direction. It seems important to place in its wider historical context a book which so influenced such men and which greatly impressed the philosophes in general. Therefore - and because such an account has value in itself - the Introduction contains a survey of the freewill controversy from the time of Hobbes to that of Leibniz, giving in some detail the opinions of Hobbes, Locke, Pierre Bayle, William King, Archbishop of Dublin, and Leibniz and an account of the Scholastic doctrine of liberty of indifference - opinions which either influenced Collins or against which he reacted. The value and originality of Collins' works need assessing. He was also at times liable to misinterpret or misunderstand the authorities he quoted. I have, therefore, subjected the Inquiry to a detailed critique. This also gives cross-references to parallel passages in Collins' works and those of the authors who influenced him, and, by discussing the philosophical and theological questions to which his writings give rise, obviates the need for a good many footnotes in the notes that follow the text.Table of ContentsDeism.- Anthony Collins.- Writings.- The Controversy on Freewill.- The Philosophical Inquiry.- Thomas Hobbes.- John Locke.- Pierre Bayle and William King.- Liberty of Indifference.- De Origine Mali.- Bayle and King.- Leibniz.- The Inquiry.- Conclusion.- Text of the Philosophical Inquiry concerning Human Liberty.- Notes to the Text of the Inquiry.- Collation of the Text of the Inquiry.
£85.49
Springer Can Theories be Refuted?: Essays on the Duhem-Quine Thesis
Book SynopsisAccording to a view assumed by many scientists and philosophers of science and standardly found in science textbooks, it is controlled ex perience which provides the basis for distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable theories in science: acceptable theories are those which can pass empirical tests. It has often been thought that a certain sort of test is particularly significant: 'crucial experiments' provide supporting empiri cal evidence for one theory while providing conclusive evidence against another. However, in 1906 Pierre Duhem argued that the falsification of a theory is necessarily ambiguous and therefore that there are no crucial experiments; one can never be sure that it is a given theory rather than auxiliary or background hypotheses which experiment has falsified. w. V. Quine has concurred in this judgment, arguing that "our statements about the external world face the tribunal of sense experience not indi vidually but only as a corporate body". Some philosophers have thought that the Duhem-Quine thesis gra tuitously raises perplexities. Others see it as doubly significant; these philosophers think that it provides a base for criticism of the foundational view of knowledge which has dominated much of western thought since Descartes, and they think that it opens the door to a new and fruitful way to conceive of scientific progress in particular and of the nature and growth of knowledge in general.Table of ContentsPhysical Theory and Experiment.- Two Dogmas of Empiricism.- Empiricist Criteria of Cognitive Significance: Problems and Changes.- Some Fundamental Problems in the Logic of Scientific Discovery.- Background Knowledge and Scientific Growth.- The Duhemian Argument.- A Comment on Grünbaum’s Claim.- Scientific Revolutions as Changes of World View.- Grünbaum on ‘The Duhemian Argument’.- Quine, Grünbaum, and the Duhemian Thesis.- Duhem, Quine and Grünbaum on Falsification.- Duhem, Quine and a New Empiricism.- Falsification and the Methodology of Scientific Research Programmes.- Is it never Possible to Falsify a Hypothesis Irrevocably?.- The Rationality of Science (From‘Against Method’).- Index of Names.
£189.99
Springer Hegel’s Philosophy of Subjective Spirit: Volume 3 Phenomenology and Psychology
Table of Contents(Volume Three).- B. The Phenomenology of Spirit. Consciousness § 413.- a. Consciousness as such § 418.- ?) Sensuous consciousness § 418.- ?) Perception § 420.- 1) Observation.- 2) Connection.- 3) Demonstration.- ?) Understanding § 422.- b. Self-consciousness § 424.- ?) Desire §426.- 1) Drive.- 2) Activity.- 3) Satisfaction § 428.- ?) Recognitive self-consciousness § 430.- 1) Struggle §431.- 2) Mastery and Servitude § 433.- 3) Community of need § 434.- ?) Universal self-consciousness § 436.- c. Reason § 438.- C. Psychology. Spirit § 440.- a. Theoretical spirit (Intelligence) § 445.- ?) Intuition § 446.- 1) Feeling §446.- 2) Attention § 448.- 3) Intuition proper § 449.- ?) Presentation § 451.- 1) Recollection § 452.- i) Image.- ii) The unconsciously preserved image § 453.- iii) Recollection proper § 454.- 2) Imagination § 455.- i) Reproductive.- ii) Associative § 456.- iii) Phantasy § 457.- (1) Symbolic.- (2) The sign § 458.- (3) Language § 459.- 3) Memory § 461.- i) Verbal.- ii) Reproductive § 462.- iii) Mechanical § 463.- ?) Thought § 465.- 1) Understanding § 467.- 2) Judgement.- 3) Formal reason.- b. Practical spirit § 469.- ?) Practical feeling § 471.- 1) Subjective § 472.- 2) Intuitive.- 3) Thought.- ?) Impulses and wilfulness § 473.- 1) Passion § 474.- 2) Interest § 475.- 3) Wilfulness § 477.- ?) Happiness § 479.- c. Free spirit § 481.- The Phenomenology of Spirit (Summer Term, 1825).- B. Consciousness § 329.- a. Consciousness as such.- 1) Sensuous consciousness § 335.- 2) Perceptive consciousness § 337.- 3) Understanding § 340.- b. Self-consciousness § 344.- 1) Immediate self-consciousness § 348.- i) Drive.- ii) Desire.- iii) Satisfaction § 350.- 2) The relatedness of one self-consciousness to another § 352.- i) Struggle § 353.- ii) Mastery and Servitude § 356.- iii) Communal provision.- 3) Universal self-consciousness § 358.- c. Reason § 360.- 1) Certainty § 361.- 2) Substantial truth § 362.- 3) Knowing and spirit.- Notes.- Index to the Text.- Index to the Notes.
£104.99
Springer Autopoiesis and Cognition: The Realization of the Living
Book SynopsisThis is a bold, brilliant, provocative and puzzling work. It demands a radical shift in standpoint, an almost paradoxical posture in which living systems are described in terms of what lies outside the domain of descriptions. Professor Humberto Maturana, with his colleague Francisco Varela, have undertaken the construction of a systematic theoretical biology which attempts to define living systems not as they are objects of observation and description, nor even as in teracting systems, but as self-contained unities whose only reference is to them selves. Thus, the standpoint of description of such unities from the 'outside', i. e. , by an observer, already seems to violate the fundamental requirement which Maturana and Varela posit for the characterization of such system- namely, that they are autonomous, self-referring and self-constructing closed systems - in short, autopoietic systems in their terms. Yet, on the basis of such a conceptual method, and such a theory of living systems, Maturana goes on to define cognition as a biological phenomenon; as, in effect, the very nature of all living systems. And on this basis, to generate the very domains of interac tion among such systems which constitute language, description and thinking.Table of ContentsEditorial Preface General Table Of Contents Foreword Introduction (by Professor Maturana) Biology Of Cognition Dedication Table of Contents I. Introduction II. The Problem III. Cognitive Function in General A. The Observer B. The Living System C. Evolution D. The Cognitive Process IV. Cognitive Function in Particular A. Nerve Cells B. Architecture C. Function D. Representation E. Description F. Thinking G. Natural Language H. Memory and Learning I. The Observer V. Problems in the Neurophysiology of Cognition VI. Conclusions VII. Post Scriptum Autopoiesis: The Organization Of The Living Preface (by Sir Stafford Beer) Introduction I. On Machines, living and Otherwise 1. Machines 2. Living Machines II. Dispensability of Teleonomy 1. Purposelessness 2. Individuality III. Embodiments of Autopoiesis 1. Descriptive and Causal Notions 2. Molecular Embodiments 3. Origin IV. Diversity of Autopoiesis 1. Subordination to the Condition of Unity 2. Plasticity of Ontogeny 3. Reproduction, a Complication of the Unity 4. Evolution, a Historical Network 5. Second and Third Order Autopoietic Systems V. Presence of Autopoiesis 1. Biological Implications 2. Epistemological Implications 3. Cognitive Implications Appendix: The Nervous System Glossary Bibliography Index Of Names
£151.99
Brill Genes and Morality: New Essays
Book SynopsisMost public discussion has focused on those effects of genetic research that are considered in some way unwanted or unpleasant. For example, there has been much debate concerning the risks and the ethical appropriateness of genetic screening, gene therapy, and agricultural applications based on genetic techniques. It often claimed that genetic research may cause new problems such as genetic discrimination, stigmatization, environmental risks, or mistreatment of animals. Genes and Morality: New Essays adopts a critical attitude toward genetic research, on both a theoretical and a practical level. It presents some of the most important problems in the ethics of genetic engineering, including the questions of genetic health and disease, genetic testing, responsibility for health, patenting non-human and human life, and problems related to the disclosure of genetic information. The aim of the book is to focus on real ethical and conceptual issues. Consider, for instance, the concept of genetic disease. As one of the contributors, Ingmar Pörn, writes, fear of genetic disease, or anxiety, is not itself a disease any more than fear of becoming unemployed is a disease. Alleviating such emotions is not a medical task to be discharged by drug therapy. The book also examines the philosophical foundations of these issues by discussing the most influential bioethical theories of today, including utilitarianism and principlism.Trade Review"As a whole, the book is an indispensable piece of secondary literature on John Harris’s Wonderwoman and Superman and additionally contains interesting views on ethics and epistemology of genetics." - in: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy: A European Journal, Vol. 4, No. 3 (2001) "Thoughtfully edited … Has features not usually found in the recent plethora of books on ethics and genetics …useful analyses … [John] Harris develops an excellent, detailed argument that we owe equal health care opportunities to everyone, even if a lifestyle has contributed to someone’s illness … especially noteworthy is Angus Clarke’s thorough rebuttal of the theory that, if people learn their risks of susceptibility to future disease, it as effective for such people to initiate risk-reducing behaviors." - in: Ethics, Vol. 111, No. 4 (July 2001) "authoritative, easy to read, and pleasantly jargon-free" - in: Journal of Medical Ethics 26.6 (December 2000)Table of ContentsEditorial Foreword. Acknowledgements. Introduction. PART I: METHODOLOGICAL AND THEORETICAL ISSUES. ONE Matti HÄYRY: What the Fox Would Have Said, Had He Been a Hedgehog: On the Methodology and Normative Approach of John Harris's Wonderwoman and Superman. TWO Ingmar PERSSON: Does It Matter When We Begin to Exist? THREE Sirkku Kristiina HELLSTEN: Can We Do Wrong by Bringing Children into Being? FOUR Torbjörn TÄNNSJÖ: Impersonal Morality: A Defense. FIVE Søren HOLM: Principles of Health Care Ethics: Solution or Problem? SIX Juha RÄIKKÄ: On the Morality of Avoiding Information. PART II: PRACTICAL ISSUES. SEVEN John HARRIS: Genome Analysis and Responsibility for Health. EIGHT Ingmar PÖRN: Genetic Information and Care. NINE Anglus CLARKE: The Genetic Dissection of Complex Traits. TEN Rogeer HOEDEMAEKERS and Henk TEN HAVE: Genetic Health and Genetic Disease. ELEVEN Juhani PIETARINEN and Veikko LAUNIS: Patenting Non-Human and Human Life. TWELVE Christoph REHMANN-SUTTER: Hubris and Hybrids in the Myth of Frankenstein. Gregory L. FOWLER and Michael J. GARLAND: Translating the Human Genome Project into Social Policy: A Model for Participatory Democracy. Notes on Contributors. Index.
£56.84
Brill The Metaphysics of Cooperation: A Case Study of F.D. Maurice
Book SynopsisThis book takes up the philosophical task described by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and F.D. Maurice as digging toward the common humanity that is the ground of value. The book is an essay in philosophy defined by time (its focal point is the nineteenth century), space (its focal point is Britain), and persons (it is concerned especially with Maurice's contribution to social theory). The first chapter explores the Victorian Age as historical context and background for Maurice's work. The second explores Coleridge's thought as philosophical context and background. The third explores a range of Maurice's theological works that spans his entire career. The fourth turns, finally, as Maurice did, to the practice of adult education as the place of social transformation and, more particularly, the contested terrain where human nature and human souls are turned to work in the world as persons, not hands.Trade Review”Schroeder … makes his point on today’s relationship between intelligentsia and workers brilliantly … this book is a most pertinent and challenging study and a laudable attempt in philosophy to get things ‘back on track’.” in: The Heythrop Journal, Vol. 43, No. 2, April 2002Table of ContentsForeword by Gary Dorrien. Preface. Acknowledgments. ONE Puzzled Into Silence. TWO A Circle of Friends. THREE A System That Is All Door. FOUR The Fever of the Miscellaneous Man. FIVE Conclusion. Notes. Bibliography. About the Author. Index.
£44.46
Brill Science in Culture: Translated from the Polish by Hugh McDonald
Book SynopsisThis book tries to uncover science’s discoverer and explain why the conception of science has been changing during the centuries, and why science can be beneficial and dangerous for humanity. Far from being hermetic, this research can be interesting for all who want to understand deeper what really conditions the place of science in culture.Trade Review"Science in Culture deserves to be studied as the masterful work it is in itself. It should also, however, be regarded as a seminal foundation for an evaluation of the postmodern condition of science." – in: Review of Metaphysics LXI/2 (December 2007) "This is an important book that looks at how the concept of science has been changing over the course of centuries. …[Jaroszynski] demonstrates how science, over time, became focused on serving utility and technocratic management rather than the idea of science being the search for truth. Jaroszynski’s look at the ideologies of liberalism, communism, and fascism, as modern examples of how people are willing to use science as the primary tool of ideology in order to achieve their goals, is enlightening … A well-organized work, derived from the evaluation of primary sources, very relevant to the university community at large. Highly recommended." – in: CHOICE – Current reviews for academic libraries 44/11 (July 2007) "Who discovered science? What conditions the place of science in culture? …Jaroszynski … illuminates the non-scientific contexts of the controversy over science and shows the influence of science in culture." – in: SciTech Book News, March 2007Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Foreword by Mieczysław Albert Krąpiec Preface by Tadeusz Kwiatkowski Introduction Acknowledgments Part One: The Rise of Theoretical Knowledge One. The Discovery of Science: Greece or the East? Two. Why the Greeks? Three. Bios Theoretikos Four. Philosophy’s Rise from Sensations to Wisdom Five. Knowledge and Opinion Six. Theoretical Features of the Object of Scientific Cognition Seven. Theoretical Justification Eight. Theoretical Proof Nine. Types of Science Part Two: The Hellenistic Deformation of Theoretical Knowledge Ten. Knowledge or Philosophy of the Sake of Praxis Eleven. Neo-Platonism: An End Beyond Knowledge Part Three: Philosophy and Theology in Relation to Revelation Twelve. Aversion to Pagan Authority Thirteen. Handmaiden to Theology Fourteen. Sacred Scripture and the Problem of Interpretation: The Sentences Fifteen. Metaphysics and Natural Theology Sixteen. Philosophy in the Service of Theology Part Four: Science: Toward Technology and Ideology Seventeen. The Problem of the Continuity of Science in the Middle Ages Eighteen. The Problem of Experimental Science in the Middle Ages Nineteen. The Mathematization of Scientific Knowledge Twenty. The Influence of Nominalism Part Five: Science as Technology Twenty-One. The Quest for an Earthly Paradise Twenty-Two. The End of Knowledge: Complete Utilitarianism Twenty-Three. The Influence of the East Twenty-Four. Science and Utopia: From the House of Solomon to the Royal Society Twenty-Five. A New Model of Scientific Knowledge Twenty-Six. Philosophy and Gnosticism Part Six: The Transformation of Philosophy into Ideology Twenty-Seven. Ideas–Concepts–Impressions Twenty-Eight. The War against Idols Twenty-Nine. The Critique of Catholicism and Metaphysics Thirty. Ideology and the New Social Order Thirty-One. Ideology: The Evolution of the Concept Part Seven: Toward a New World Order Thirty-Two. Kant: The World Before Reason’s Tribunal Thirty-Three. Auguste Comte: Toward a New Age Thirty-Four. Neopositivism at War with Metaphysics Thirty-Five. Science and the New World Order or Science in the Service of Globalism Part Eight: The Place of Science in Culture Thirty-Six. What is Culture? Thirty-Seven. The Domains of Culture Thirty-Eight. Ends, Limits, and Directions in the Growth of Science Thirty-Nine. Conclusion Notes Bibliography About the Author Index of Works Index of Authors, Editors, and Translators Index of Subjects Index of Names
£113.31
Brill Scientific Realism and Democratic Society: The Philosophy of Philip Kitcher
Book SynopsisPhilip Kitcher is among the key philosophers of science of our times. This volume offers an up to date analysis of his philosophical perspective taking into account his views on scientific realism and democratic society. The contributors to the volume focus on four different aspects of Kitcher’s thought: the evolution of his philosophy, his present views on scientific realism, the epistemological analysis of his modest (“real” or “piecemeal”) realism, and his conception of scientific practice. In the final chapter, the philosopher replies to his critics. The volume will be of interest to philosophers as well as anyone interested in the relation between science and society.Table of ContentsWenceslao J. Gonzalez: Foreword The Evolution of Kitcher’s Philosophy Wenceslao J. Gonzalez: From Mathematics to Social Concern about Science: Kitcher’s Philosophical Approach Philip Kitcher: Science in a Democratic Society Inmaculada Perdomo: The Characterization of Epistemology in Philip Kitcher: A Critical Reflection from New Empiricism Scientific Realism in Kitcher’s Present Approach Antonio Diéguez: Kitcher’s Modest Realism: The Reconceptualization of Scientific Objectivity Philip Kitcher: Scientific Realism: The Truth in Pragmatism Epistemological Analysis of Kitcher’s Realism Philip Kitcher: Real Realism: The Galilean Strategy Valeriano Iranzo: Inductivist Strategies for Scientific Realism Mauricio Suárez: Scientific Realism, the Galilean Strategy, and Representation Methodological Analysis of Scientific Practice Jesús Alcolea: Kitcher’s Naturalistic Epistemology and Methodology of Mathematics Antonio Bereijo: The Category of “Applied Science”: An Analysis of Its Justification from “Information Science” as Design Science The Philosopher Replies Philip Kitcher: Second Thoughts Name Index Subject Index
£141.94
Brill Beiträge zu Aristoteles' Naturphilosophie
Book SynopsisDie vorliegenden Untersuchungen zu Aristoteles' Naturphilosophie interpretieren Haupttexte aus seinen Schriften Physik, Über Entstehen und Vergehen, Über die Entstehung der Lebewesen, Über die Seele. Sie führen zu einigen wichtigen Einsichten über die Natur, die Materie, die Zeit, die Bewegungs- und Zweckursache u.a. und erheben ihre aktuelle Bedeutung für die gegenwärtigen interdisziplinären Diskussionen zwischen Naturphilosophie, Physik, Biologie, Psychologie und Anthropologie.Table of ContentsVorwort. Einleitung. Hauptteil. I) Die Materie-Definitionen, Phys. I 9 u. Metaph. VII 3.- Die «Elemente» und die «erste Materie». 1) Die Definitionen der Materie, Phys. I 9, Metaph. VII 3 u. VIII 1. 2) Der Bezug der Materie-Definitionen auf die Elemente, nach De caelo IV 1-3 und De gen. et corr. I-II. 3) Die Materie der Elemente selbst, De gen.et corr. II 1. 4) Stellungnahme zu Problemen moderner Interpretationen von Aristoteles' Materie-Auffassung. II) Über den Aufweis der Form-, Bewegungs- und Zweckursache, Phys. I 1-3 u. Metaphys. VII 17. 1) Die Zusammenstellung der vier Naturursachen, Phys. II 3. 2) Argumente in Phys.II 1 und Metaphys. VII 17 für die Formursache. 3) Über die Analogie mit der Kunst bei der Bestimmung der Naturursachen. III) Zur Definition der Bewegung und der Zeit, Phys. III. 1) Einleitende Bemerkungen zu Aristoteles' Definition der Bewegung. 2) Erörterungen zu Aristoteles' Lehre von der Zeit. IV) Zum ersten, unbewegten Beweger in Phys. VII-VIII. 1) Der erste, unbewegten Beweger in Phys. VII-VIII als verschieden von dem in Metaphys. XII 6-7. 2) Metaphysische Voraussetzungen der Physica. V) ZuAristoteles' Lehre über die Seele des Menschen in De anima. 1) Einführung in die Schrift Über die Seele. 2) Zu Aristoteles' Psychologie und seiner Definition der Seele als Form des Leibes. 3) Zu Aristoteles' Erkenntnislehre: Sinnes- und Vernunftvermögen. 4) Zur Interpretation von Aristoteles' Vernunft-Lehre in De anima III 4-5. VI) Die Finalität der Natur in Aristoteles' De gen. animalium. 1) Inhaltsanalysen. 2) Die Entwicklung des menschlichen Embryos. 3) Abschließende Erörterungen zur Bewegungs- und Zweckursache in De gen. animalium..
£34.40
Stockholm University Press Introduktion till postkvalitativ metodologi
£9.80
Springer Otto Hahn and the Rise of Nuclear Physics
Book Synopsisand less as the emanation unden\'ent radioactive decay, and it became motion less after about 30 seconds. Since this process was occurring very rapidly, Hahn and Sackur marked the position of the pointer on a scale with pencil marks. As a timing device they used a metronome that beat out intervals of approximately 1. 3 seconds. This simple method enabled them to determine that the half-life of the emanations of actinium and emanium were the same. Although Giesel's measurements had been more precise than Debierne's, the name of actinium was retained since Debierne had made the discovery first. Hahn now returned to his sample of barium chloride. He soon conjectured that the radium-enriched preparations must harbor another radioactive sub stance. The liquids resulting from fractional crystallization, which were sup posed to contain radium only, produced two kinds of emanation. One was the long-lived emanation of radium, the other had a short life similar to the emanation produced by thorium. Hahn tried to separate this substance by adding some iron to the solutions that should have been free of radium, but to no avail. Later the reason for his failure became apparent. The element that emitted the thorium emanation was constantly replenished by the ele ment believed to be radium. Hahn succeeded in enriching a preparation until it was more than 100,000 times as intensive in its radiation as the same quantity of thorium.Trade Review`...articles which provide much interesting material on a period of the development of physics which has been relatively neglected by historians of science.' Centaurus, 28:1 Table of ContentsIntroduction: from Rutherford to Hahn.- The Nuclear Electron Hypothesis.- The Evolution of Matter: Nuclear Physics, Cosmic Rays, and Robert Millikan’s Research Program.- The Discovery of Fission and a Nuclear Physics Paradigm.- Internal and External Conditions for the Discovery of Fission by the Berlin Team.- Otto Hahn, Science, and Social Responsibility.- The Politics of British Science in the Munich Era.- Why Hahn’s Radiothorium Surprised Rutherford in Montreal.- The Discovery of Uranium Z by Otto Hahn: The First Example of Nuclear Isomerism.- Nuclear Physics in Candada in the 1930s.
£123.49
Springer Galileo, Human Knowledge, and the Book of Nature: Method Replaces Metaphysics
Book SynopsisGalileo is revered as one of the founders of modern science primarily because of such discoveries as the law of falling bodies and the moons of Jupiter. In addition to his scientific achievements, Professor Pitt argues that Galileo deserves increased attention for his contributions to the methodology of the new science and that his method retains its value even today. In a detailed analysis of Galileo's mature works, Pitt reconstructs crucial features of Galileo's epistemology. He shows how Galileo's methodological insights grow out of an appreciation of the limits of human knowledge and he brings fresh insight to our concept of Galileo's methodology and its implications for contemporary debates. Working from Galileo's insistence on the contrast between the number of things that can be known and the limited abilities of human knowers, Pitt shows how Galileo's common sense approach to rationality permits the development of a robust scientific method. At the same time, Pitt argues that we should correct our picture of Galileo, the culture hero. Instead of seeing him as a martyr to the cause of truth, Galileo is best understood as a man of his times who was responding to a variety of social pressures during a period of intellectual and political turmoil. This book will be of interest to philosophers and to historians and sociologists of science as well as to a general readership interested in the scientific revolution. Table of ContentsPreface. I. Galileo as Scientist and as Philosopher and the Emergence of Mathematical Physics in the 17th Century. II. Galileo on God, Mathematics, Certainty, and the Nature and Possibility of Human Knowledge. III. The Limits of Knowledge; Mathematics and Methodological Principles. IV. The Content of Knowledge. V. Evidence; the Basis of Knowledge. VI. Galileo's Epistemology as the Basis for a Theory of the Growth of Knowledge. Works Consulted.
£44.99
Springer Phenomenology and Dialectical Materialism
Book SynopsisTran Duc Thao, a brilliant student of philosophy at the Ecole Normale Super- ieure within the post-1935 decade of political disaster, born in Vietnam shortly after the F ir st World War, recipient of a scholarship in Paris in 1935 37, was early noted for his independent and originaI mind_ While the 1930s twisted down to the defeat of the Spanish Republic, the compromise with German Fascism at Munich, and the start of the Second World War, and while the 1940s began with hypocritical stability at the Western Front fol- lowed by the defeat of France, and the occupation of Paris by the German power together with French collaborators, and the n ended with liberation and a search for a new understanding of human situations, the young Thao was deeply immersed in the classical works of European philosophy. He was al so the attentive but critical student of a quite special generation of French metaphysicians and social philosophers: Gaston Berger, Maurice Merleau- Ponty, Emile Brehier, Henri Lefebvre, Rene le Senne, Jean-Paul Sartre, perhaps the young Louis Althusser. They, in their several modes of response, had been meditating for more than a decade on the philosophy of Edmund Husserl, which came to France in the thirties as a new metaphysical enlighten- ment - phenomenology.Trade Review`This work of Thao, in an elegant, laconic, and remarkably lucid prose, elaborates the rationale that motivated Husserl's philosophizing... Thao's knowledge of Husserl, as well as of the entire history of philosophy, is most impressive, and he has the ability to elucidate and bring to life some of the most abstruse epistemological writings of Kant, Husserl, and others. ...consider this one of the clearest introductions to phenomenology and would consider it a superb text to use in introducing my students to phenomenology.' Paul Ricoeur Table of ContentsOne: The Phenomenological Method and Its Actual Real Content.- One: The Intuition of Essences.- 1. The Technique of Variation.- 2. Pure Idealities and Empirical Idealities.- 3. The True Significance of the Notion of Essence.- 4. Difficulties with the Objectivism of Essences. The Return to the Subject.- Two: The Thematization of Concrete Consciousness.- 5. The Return to Lived Experience in the Logische Untersuchungen.- 6. The Discovery of the Reduction.- 7. The Exposition of the Ideen.- 8. The Critique of the Kantians.- 9. Fink’s Reply. The Necessity of a More Radical Explanation.- 10. The Notion of Constitution. The Signification of Transcendental Idealism.- 11. The Constitution of the World of the Spirit.- 12. The Notion of Object. Perception and Judgment.- Three: The Problems of Reason.- 13. Self-Evidence (Évidence) and Truth.- 14. The problem of Error.- 15. [Self-] Evidence as Intentional Performance (Intentionale Leistung).- 16. The Possibility of Error as Contemporaneous with Truth.- 17. A Digression — The Theory of Evidence According to Descartes and the Problem of the Cartesian Circle.- 18. Phenomenological Description as a Critique of Authenticity: Static and Genetic Constitution.- 19. The Constitution of the Formal Domain: Logic and Mathematics.- 20. The Genesis of Judgment.- Four: The Result of Phenomenology.- 21. The Genesis of Antepredicative Experience and Its Real Content.- Two: The Dialectic of Real Movement.- to Part Two.- 1. Consciousness and Matter.- One: The Dialectic of Animal Behavior as the Becoming of Sense Certainty.- 2. Phenomenological Givens and Real Givens.- 3. The Movement of the Internal Sense.- 4. The Movement of the External Sense.- 5. Remarks on the Preceding Development: The Passage to the Dialectic of Human Societies.- Two: The Dialectic of Human Societies as the Becoming of Reason.- 6. Use-Value and the Movement of Sacrifice.- 7. The Movement of Wealth and the Becoming of the Gods.- 8. Mercantile Economy and the Sacrifice of the Savior, God.- 9. Monetary Economy, the Transcendence of the Idea, and the Concept of Salvation.- 10. Capitalistic Economy, the Power of Abstraction and the Proletarian Revolution.- Notes.- Bibliography of Works Cited.- Index of Names.
£123.49
Springer Open Science: the Very Idea
Book SynopsisThis open access book provides a broad context for the understanding of current problems of science and of the different movements aiming to improve the societal impact of science and research. The author offers insights with regard to ideas, old and new, about science, and their historical origins in philosophy and sociology of science, which is of interest to a broad readership. The book shows that scientifically grounded knowledge is required and helpful in understanding intellectual and political positions in various discussions on the grand challenges of our time and how science makes impact on society. The book reveals why interventions that look good or even obvious, are often met with resistance and are hard to realize in practice. Based on a thorough analysis, as well as personal experiences in aids research, university administration and as a science observer, the author provides - while being totally open regarding science's limitations- a realistic narrative about how research is conducted, and how reliable ‘objective’ knowledge is produced. His idea of science, which draws heavily on American pragmatism, fits in with the global Open Science movement. It is argued that Open Science is a truly and historically unique movement in that it translates the analysis of the problems of science into major institutional actions of system change in order to improve academic culture and the impact of science, engaging all actors in the field of science and academia.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Science and Society – Chapter 2: Images of Science: A reality check.- Science in Transition: How science goes wrong and what to do about it.- Chapter 4: Science & Society: pragmatism by default.- Chapter 5: Science in Social Contexts.- Chapter 6: Science in Transition reduced to Practice.- chapter 7: Transition to Open Science.
£34.99
Springer Constellations and Conjectures
Book SynopsisQuote by W. H. Auden.- Prefatory Note for the First Edition.- Acknowledgments for the Second Edition.- Table of Contents.- Editor’s Introduction to the Second Edition.- The Conceptual Content of the Book.- Introduction to the Conceptual Content of the Book.- BOOK ONE – PART I: Cosmological Explanation, B.C.- The Great Facts of the Heavens.- Plato.- Eudoxus and ‘Plato’s Problem’.- Aristotle.- BOOK ONE – PART II: Ptolemy and Prediction.- Pre-Ptolemaic Anticipations.- The Power of the Epicycle-on-Deferent Technique.- Three-Dimensional Variations of Ptolemy’s Technique.- Ptolemy’s Ancient Legacy.- BOOK TWO – PART I: The Medieval Rediscovery of Ptolemy’s Tool Box.- ‘The Ptolemaic System’.- Supplementary Material for Book Two, Part I.- BOOK TWO – PART II: Copernicus’ Systematic Astronomy.- The Copernican System.- Further Aspects of Copernican Astronomy in Contrast to All that had Gone Before.- Tycho and Copernicus.- BOOK THREE – PART I: Kepler.- Kepler and the ‘Clean’ Idea.- Supplementary Material for Book Three, Part I.- Index.
£104.49
£22.80
Oxford University Press Inc Newtons Metaphysics
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£122.24
Oxford University Press Fundamentals of Bayesian Epistemology 1
Book SynopsisFundamentals of Bayesian Epistemology provides an accessible introduction to the key concepts and principles of the Bayesian formalism. This volume introduces degrees of belief as a concept in epistemology and the rules for updating degrees of belief derived from Bayesian principles.Table of ContentsQuick Reference Preface I Our Subject 1: Beliefs and Degrees of Belief II The Bayesian Formalism 2: Probability Distributions 3: Conditional Credences 4: Updating by Conditionalization 5: Further Rational Constraints
£68.40
Oxford University Press, USA Where the Conflict Really Lies
Book SynopsisIn this long-awaited book, pre-eminent analytical philosopher Alvin Plantinga argues that the conflict between science and theistic religion is actually superficial, and that at a deeper level they are in concord.Trade ReviewPlantinga is at his most persuasive when exhibiting defeats in the naturalist world-view. * Anthony Kenny, Times Literary Supplement *Plantinga is an intellectual heavyweight in the philosophy of religion, and those who want to keep abreast of the best work in this area would be well advised to read this long-awaited contribution. * The Tablet *Alvin Plantinga is one of the most eminent philosophers in the world, and a book from him on science and religion is of the first importance. It is a joy to see how he uses precise logical analysis to counter the arguments of his opponents, and issue a trenchant defence of Christian thought. * Keith Ward, Third Way *an engaging read ... a very good book, well worth reading by both theists and non-theists for its thoughtful consideration of difficult and contentious issues. I warmly recommend it. * Robert J. Deltete, Philosophy in Review *a robust defence of religion against the claim that it is defeated by science. * Julian Baggini, TPM *a highly worthwhile contribution to the contemporary science-and-religion debate, and one which brings the much needed voice of this rigorous philosopher to bear upon the complex conceptual issues at stake. ... The book is relatively technical, but thanks to Plantinga's generaous use of examples and the relegation of the most technical material to smaller print, the non-specialist should have little difficulty understanding the thrust of this excellent book. * Max Baker-Hytch, Theology *There is much ... to note and commend in this demanding and rewarding work. ... Yet the present reviewer regards the permanent value of this important book as lying in its critical implications for the beliefs of the 'New Atheism.' Not an easy read, admittedly - but for those with patience and perserverance, this is a highly commendable addition to a pastor's library. * Alister McGrath, Churchman *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Evolution and Christian Belief (1) ; Chapter 2 Evolution and Christian Belief (2) ; Chapter 3 Divine Action in the World ; Chapter 4 The New Picture ; Chap. 5 Evolutionary Psychology and Scripture Scholarship ; Chapter 6 Defeaters? ; Chapter 7 Fine-Tuning ; Chapter 8 Design Discourse ; Chapter 9 Deep Concord ; Chapter 10 Deep Conflict
£38.47
Penguin Books Ltd Its a Gas
Book Synopsis''A delight'' Dara O Briain''A witty, smart writer who has a great talent'' Bill Gates''A winning blend of education and anecdote'' Clive Cookson, FTWhy are most gases invisible, odourless and tasteless? Why do some poison us and others make us laugh? And why do some power our engines while others make drinks fizzy? In It''s a Gas, Mark Miodownik masterfully reveals an invisible world through his unique brand of scientific storytelling.Taking us back to that exhilarating and often dangerous moment when scientists tried to work out exactly what they had discovered, Miodownik shows that gases are the formative substances of our modern world, each with its own weird and wonderful personality.We see how seventeenth-century laughing gas parties led to the first use of anaesthetics in surgery, how the invention of the air valve in musical instruments gave us bicycles, cars and trainers, and how gases made us masters of the sea (by huge steamships) and skies (via extremely flammable balloons). This delight of a book reveals the immense importance of gases to modern civilisation.
£19.80
Pemberton Publishing Co Ltd Science and Life Essays of a Rationalist Humanist
Book Synopsis
£9.99
Random House USA Inc Blindspot
Book Synopsis“Accessible and authoritative . . . While we may not have much power to eradicate our own prejudices, we can counteract them. The first step is to turn a hidden bias into a visible one. . . . What if we’re not the magnanimous people we think we are?”—The Washington PostI know my own mind.I am able to assess others in a fair and accurate way.These self-perceptions are challenged by leading psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald as they explore the hidden biases we all carry from a lifetime of exposure to cultural attitudes about age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, sexuality, disability status, and nationality.“Blindspot” is the authors’ metaphor for the portion of the mind that houses hidden biases. Writing with simplicity and verve, Banaji and Greenwald question the extent to which our perceptions of social groups—without our awareness or consciou
£14.40
Little, Brown Book Group Does Santa Exist
Book SynopsisA brilliantly funny philosophical investigation into the existence of Santa - from a writer of The Big Bang Theory and The SimpsonsTrade ReviewEric Kaplan's Does Santa Exist? is the funniest book of philosophy since . . . well, ever -- Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and FuturamaEric Kaplan is more than a talented comedy writer. He is a deep soul, an intellectual master, and a brilliant communicator of the subtleties of the intersections between faith and logic. He will have you laughing, thinking harder than you've ever thought, and falling in love with the process of intellectual exploration all over again. A masterpiece -- Mayim Bialik, PhD (neuroscience, UCLA), actress known for her role as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler in The Big Bang TheoryIf you can put this book down, you should see a doctor. Kaplan's message burrows into the mind, beats up a few beliefs and then leaves with a triumphant bang -- Michael Gazzaniga, Professor of Psychology University of California Santa Barbara and Founder of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society
£11.99
Taylor & Francis Ltd Causation and Laws of Nature
Book SynopsisThis is the first English translation of Causalite´ et Lois de La Nature, and is an important contribution to the theory of causation.Trade ReviewPraise for the French language edition of Causalité et lois de la nature‘… it is a pleasure to read Kistler’s book and … its argument is very well developed. It is a remarkable example of the standards of clarity and precision that are achieved in today’s analytical philosophy of science.’Michael Esfedl, University of Konstanz, Germany: review of French language edition in Dialectica"… a wonderfully rich book by Max Kistler … not only a skilled writer in the history of philosophy; he also makes important and novel contributions both to the theory of causation and to the philosophy of laws of nature. (…) This book is already packed with good arguments. My impression is that Causalité et lois de la nature is important reading for all philosophers with an interest in laws of nature and causation. I will certainly be on the watch both for the translation of it and for forthcoming work by Max Kistler."Johannes Persson, Lund University, review in MindTable of Contents1. What is a Causal Relation? 2. Laws of Nature and Universal Generalisations 3. Applicability Conditions and the Concept of "Strict Law" 4. Consequences 5. The Nomological Theory of Causation and Causal Responsibility 6. Efficacious Properties and the Instantiation of Laws 7. Causal Responsibility and its Applications Conclusion
£137.75
