This is Philosophy of Science

A clear and engaging introduction to the philosophy of science, exploring the role of science within the broader framework of human knowledge and engagement with the world

What are the central features and advantages of a scientific worldview? Why do even reasonable scientists sometimes disagree with each other? How are scientific methods different than those of other disciplines? Can science provide an objective account of reality? This is Philosophy of Science introduces the most important philosophical issues that arise within the empirical sciences.

Requiring no previous background in philosophy, this reader-friendly volume covers topics ranging from traditional questions about the nature of explanation and the confirmation of theories to practical issues concerning the design of physical experiments and modeling. Incisive and accessible chapters with relevant case-studies and informative illustrations examine the function of thought experiments, discuss the realism/anti-realism debate, explore probability and theory testing, and address more challenging topics such as emergentism, measurement theory, and the manipulationist account of causation.

• Describes key philosophical concepts and their application in the empirical sciences
• Highlights past and present philosophical debates within the field
• Features numerous illustrations, real-world examples, and references to additional resources
• Includes a companion website with self-assessment exercises and instructor-only test banks

Part of Wiley-Blackwell’s popular This Is Philosophy series, This is Philosophy of Science: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for STEM students with interest in the conceptual foundations of their disciplines, undergraduate philosophy majors, and general readers looking for an easy-to-read overview of the subject.

FRANZ-PETER GRIESMAIER is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wyoming, where he teaches history and philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, logic, and epistemology. He is the author of Rationality and Epistemic Sophistication.

JEFFREY A. LOCKWOOD is a Professor of Natural Sciences & Humanities at the University of Wyoming. He worked for 15 years in scientific research and is a recipient of the Pushcart Prize and the John Burroughs award. Professor Lockwood’s work has been featured in the Best American Science and Nature Writing.

What are the central features and advantages of a scientific worldview? Why do even reasonable scientists sometimes disagree with each other? Does science reveal objective reality? This is Philosophy of Science provides a reader-friendly introduction to the philosophical study of the nature, methods, and implications of empirical science. Assuming no previous background in philosophy, this accessible volume explains key philosophical concepts and addresses the important philosophical issues and debates that continue to arise within the empirical sciences. Easy-to-comprehend chapters cover a wide range of both conceptual and practical topics, including theories of explanation and confirmation, the design of physical experimentation and modeling, probability and theory testing, and debates concerning scientific realism and anti-realism. Throughout the text, engaging discussions are illustrated by numerous relevant real-world examples drawn from the physical, life, and social sciences. Featuring a companion website with useful student and instructor resources, This is Philosophy of Science is the perfect textbook for both STEM students with an interest in the conceptual foundations of their disciplines and undergraduate philosophy majors. It is also an excellent introduction for general readers wanting to explore science through a philosophical lens.

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