Methodology, Metaphysics and the History of Science

In Memory of Benjamin Nelson

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, History
Cover of the book Methodology, Metaphysics and the History of Science by , Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9789400963313
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9789400963313
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This selection of papers that were presented (or nearly so!) to the Boston Colloquium for the Philosophy of Science during the seventies fairly re­ presents some of the most disturbing issues of scientific knowledge in these years. To the distant observer, it may seem that the defense of rational standards, objective reference, methodical self-correction, even the distin­ guishing of the foolish from the sensible and the truth-seeking from the ideological, has nearly collapsed. In fact, the defense may be seen to have shifted; the knowledge business came under scrutiny decades ago and, indeed, from the time of Francis Bacon and even far earlier, the practicality of the discovery of knowledge was either hailed or lamented. So the defense may be founded on the premise that science may yet be liberating. In that case, the analysis of philosophical issues expands to embrace issues of social interest and social function, of instrumentality and arbitrary perspective, of biological constraints (upon knowledge as well as upon the species-wide behavior of human beings in other relationships too), of distortions due to explanatory metaphors and imposed categories, and of radical comparisons among the perspectives of different civilizations. Some of our contributors are frankly programmatic, showing how problems must be formulated afresh, how evasions must be identified and omissions rectified, but they do not reach their own completion.

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

This selection of papers that were presented (or nearly so!) to the Boston Colloquium for the Philosophy of Science during the seventies fairly re­ presents some of the most disturbing issues of scientific knowledge in these years. To the distant observer, it may seem that the defense of rational standards, objective reference, methodical self-correction, even the distin­ guishing of the foolish from the sensible and the truth-seeking from the ideological, has nearly collapsed. In fact, the defense may be seen to have shifted; the knowledge business came under scrutiny decades ago and, indeed, from the time of Francis Bacon and even far earlier, the practicality of the discovery of knowledge was either hailed or lamented. So the defense may be founded on the premise that science may yet be liberating. In that case, the analysis of philosophical issues expands to embrace issues of social interest and social function, of instrumentality and arbitrary perspective, of biological constraints (upon knowledge as well as upon the species-wide behavior of human beings in other relationships too), of distortions due to explanatory metaphors and imposed categories, and of radical comparisons among the perspectives of different civilizations. Some of our contributors are frankly programmatic, showing how problems must be formulated afresh, how evasions must be identified and omissions rectified, but they do not reach their own completion.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Tumor Invasion and Metastasis by
Cover of the book Earthquake Science and Seismic Risk Reduction by
Cover of the book Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer by
Cover of the book Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Subsidence: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies by
Cover of the book Technological Development and Science in the Industrial Age by
Cover of the book Mixed Categories by
Cover of the book Insulin & Related Proteins — Structure to Function and Pharmacology by
Cover of the book Inflammatory Bowel Diseases by
Cover of the book Feminist Phenomenology by
Cover of the book Woodland Conservation and Management by
Cover of the book Art, Literature, and Passions of the Skies by
Cover of the book Controlled Interphases in Composite Materials by
Cover of the book CCN proteins in health and disease by
Cover of the book Indian Philosophy of Religion by
Cover of the book Stephan Körner — Philosophical Analysis and Reconstruction by
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