Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Designed for first-time readers of the subject, this stimulating introduction offers a historical exposition of differing views on the philosophy of science. With concise profiles presenting the major philosophers whose contributions are discussed in this book, Losee explores the long-arguedquestions raised by philosophers and scientists about the proper evaluation of science. This new edition incorporates contemporary developments in the discipline, including recent work on theory-appraisal, experimental practice, the debate over scientific realism, and the philosophy of biology.Taking a balanced and informative approach, this work is the ideal introductory volume.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction
• 1 Aristotle's Philosophy of Science
• 2 The Pythagorean Orientation
• 3 The Ideal of Deductive Systemization
• 4 Atomism and the Concept of Underlying Mechanism
• 5 Affirmation and Development of Aristotle's Method in the Medieval Period
• 6 The Debate over Saving the Appearances
• 7 The Seventeenth-Century Attack on Aristotelian Philosophy
• 8 Newton's Axiomatic Method
• 9 Analysis of the Implications of the New Science for a Theory of Scientific Method
• 10 Inductivism v the Hypothetico-Deductive View of Science
• 11 Mathematical Positivism and Conventionlism
• 12 Logical Reconstructivist Philosophy of Science
• 13 Orthodoxy under Attack
• 14 Theories of Scientific Progress
• 15 Explanation, Causation, and Unification
• 16 Confirmation and Evidential Support
• 17 The Justification of Evaluative Standards
• 18 The Debate over Scientific Realism
• 19 Descriptive Philosophies of Science
• Bibliography
• Index