Reading the Book of Nature: An Introduction to the Philosophy of ScienceCambridge University Press, 1992/07/31 - 198 ページ This is an introductory survey to the philosophy of science suitable for beginners and nonspecialists. Its point of departure is the question: why should we believe what science tells us about the world? In this attempt to justify the claims of science the book treats such topics as observation data, confirmation of theories, and the explanation of phenomena. The writing is clear and concrete with detailed examples drawn from contemporary science: solar neutrinos, the gravitational bending of light, and the creation/evolution debate, for example. What emerges is a view of science in which observation relies on theory to give it meaning and credibility, while theory relies on observation for its motivation and validation. It is shown that this reciprocal support is not circular since the theory used to support a particular observation is independent of the theory for which the observation serves as evidence. |
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accounting theories atoms auxiliary theories beliefs bending of starlight caloric theory causal cause Chapter cloud chamber coherence concept confirmation cosmic rays covering-law model credibility deductive deductive-nomological describe distinction DNA molecule earth electrically charged electrons empiricist ence entrenchment evaluate event example experiment explanatory external features external virtues fact factors falsification force fossils gravity happen hypothesis important independence indicate inference influence internal justification of theories kind knowledge look meaning Michelson-Morley experiment microscope moon nature neutrinos nuclear fusion objects observational claims observational evidence optics particles particular phenomena phenomenon predictions process of justification protons quarks question Radiometric dating reading relevant scientific theories scientists sense simply solar special relativity standards stop sign testable theoretical claims theoretical system theory is true theory of relativity things tion true or false truth truth-conducive virtue underdetermination understanding unobservable words