An academic anthology which explores the modern philosophical questions arising from scientific inquiry, this 2d edition is especially useful for use in introductory courses. It includes commentaries to each chapter, in addition to chapter-specific bibliographies, to aid study. The book approaches a wide range of subjects of philosophic inquiry into the natural sciences, including rationality, objectivity, specific theses and approaches, models of explanation, laws of nature, empiricism, and a variety of others. The book begins with a selection of essays exploring the definition of science and pseudoscience and culminates with several essays on realism. The majority of the essays have been previously published in books and professional journals. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
A flexible and comprehensive introduction to the main currents in philosophy of science.
Both an anthology and an introductory textbook, Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues offers instructors and students a comprehensive anthology of fifty-two primary texts by leading philosophers in the field and provides extensive editorial commentary that places the readings in a wide philosophical context.