Description
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
