Description
Book SynopsisThis volume presents an introduction to the core areas of philosophy of science. Topics covered include experiment and observation, evolution, molecular and developmental biology, cognitive science, and feminist philosophy of science.
Trade Review"This is an accessible and informative overview of central issues and themes in contemporary philosophy of science."
Philip Kitcher, Columbia University "The standard of all the essays is high, they offer extensive guides to further reading and there is a short introduction on the history of philsophy of science ... it offers an excellent resource for students and others to find out about the latest developments in the philosophy of science." Time Higher Education Supplement
"...it is inspiring to hear someone articulately introduce their field without underestimating the intelligence of their audience -- a difficult feat. This is one such introductory book. "...[I]t tackles the field from the perspective of ongoing and emerging debates, and individuals and their ideas are contextualised within these discussions. As one expects from Blackwell, the book is of uniformly high quality." Metapsychology On-line Book Reviews
Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors vii
Preface x
1.A Brief Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Science 1
Peter Machamer
2.Philosophy of Science: Classic Debates, Standard Problems, Future Prospects 18
John Worrall
3.Explanation 37
Jim Woodward
4.Structures of Scientific Theories 55
Carl F. Craver
5.Reduction, Emergence and Explanation 80
Michael Silberstein
6.Models, Metaphors and Analogies 108
Daniela Bailer-Jones
7.Experiment and Observation 128
James Bogen
8.Induction and Probability 149
Alan Hajek and Ned Hall
9.Philosophy of Space-Time Physics 173
Craig Callender and Carl Hoefer
10.Interpreting Quantum Theories 199
Laura Ruetsche
11.Evolution 227
Roberta L. Millstein
12.Molecular and Developmental Biology 252
Paul Griffiths
13.Cognitive science 272
Rick Grush
14.Philosophy of Social Science 290
Harold Kincaid
15.Feminist Philosophy of Science 312
Lynn Hankinson Nelson
Index 332
