Is Water H2O?

Evidence, Realism and Pluralism

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, History
Cover of the book Is Water H2O? by Hasok Chang, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hasok Chang ISBN: 9789400739321
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: May 23, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Hasok Chang
ISBN: 9789400739321
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: May 23, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book exhibits deep philosophical quandaries and intricacies of the historical development of science lying behind a simple and fundamental item of common sense in modern science, namely the composition of water as H2O. Three main phases of development are critically re-examined, covering the historical period from the 1760s to the 1860s: the Chemical Revolution (through which water first became recognized as a compound, not an element), early electrochemistry (by which water’s compound nature was confirmed), and early atomic chemistry (in which water started out as HO and became H2O). In each case, the author concludes that the empirical evidence available at the time was not decisive in settling the central debates and therefore the consensus that was reached was unjustified or at least premature. This leads to a significant re-examination of the realism question in the philosophy of science and a unique new advocacy for pluralism in science. Each chapter contains three layers, allowing readers to follow various parts of the book at their chosen level of depth and detail. The second major study in "complementary science", this book offers a rare combination of philosophy, history and science in a bid to improve scientific knowledge through history and philosophy of science.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book exhibits deep philosophical quandaries and intricacies of the historical development of science lying behind a simple and fundamental item of common sense in modern science, namely the composition of water as H2O. Three main phases of development are critically re-examined, covering the historical period from the 1760s to the 1860s: the Chemical Revolution (through which water first became recognized as a compound, not an element), early electrochemistry (by which water’s compound nature was confirmed), and early atomic chemistry (in which water started out as HO and became H2O). In each case, the author concludes that the empirical evidence available at the time was not decisive in settling the central debates and therefore the consensus that was reached was unjustified or at least premature. This leads to a significant re-examination of the realism question in the philosophy of science and a unique new advocacy for pluralism in science. Each chapter contains three layers, allowing readers to follow various parts of the book at their chosen level of depth and detail. The second major study in "complementary science", this book offers a rare combination of philosophy, history and science in a bid to improve scientific knowledge through history and philosophy of science.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book The Waning of the Renaissance 1640–1740 by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book The Philosophy of Language by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Handbook of Philosophical Logic by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Medical Aid at Accidents by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Linguistic Modeling of Information and Markup Languages by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Agreement Technologies by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Transnational Influences on Values and Practices in Nordic Educational Leadership by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Environmental Challenges in the Mediterranean 2000–2050 by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Fertilizer sulfur and food production by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Response of Flood Events to Land Use and Climate Change by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Atlas of Cardiac MR Imaging with Anatomical Correlations by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Information and Life by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book The Nature of General Family Practice by Hasok Chang
Cover of the book Mango Malformation by Hasok Chang
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy