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Theory and Reality

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Second Edition
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( 1,619 ratings, 173 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Theory and Reality by Peter Godfrey-Smith offers an accessible introduction to the philosophy of science, exploring how science operates, its distinction from other ways of understanding, and questions about what science reveals about reality. The book traces over a century of debates in the field, featuring examples, a glossary of terms, and suggestions for further reading. This second edition is updated with a new chapter on truth, simplicity, and scientific models.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for beginning scholars, students, and anyone interested in the philosophy and history of science, as well as educators seeking a comprehensive yet clear text on the subject.

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"How does science work? Does it tell us what the world is 'really' like? What makes it different from other ways of understanding the universe? In [this book], Peter Godfrey-Smith addresses these questions by taking the reader on a grand tour of more than a hundred years of debate. ... The result is a completely accessible introduction to the main themes of the philosophy of science"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

How does science work? Does it tell us what the world is “really” like? What makes it different from other ways of understanding the universe?

In Theory and Reality, Peter Godfrey-Smith addresses these questions by taking the reader on a grand tour of more than a hundred years of debate about science. The result is a completely accessible introduction to the main themes of the philosophy of science. Examples and asides engage the beginning student, a glossary of terms explains key concepts, and suggestions for further reading are included at the end of each chapter.

Like no other text in this field, Theory and Reality combines a survey of the recent history of the philosophy of science with current key debates that any beginning scholar or critical reader can follow. The second edition is thoroughly updated and expanded by the author with a new chapter on truth, simplicity, and models in science.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its clarity and thoroughness, Theory and Reality is recommended for students with little or no background in philosophy of science as well as professionals from other disciplines. Reviewers highlight its accessibility, depth, and suitability for both introductory and supplementary academic use, making complex ideas engaging and understandable.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780226618654

Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 July 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: University of Chicago Press

Edition: Second Edition

Illustration: 7 halftones

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 540g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Peter Godfrey-Smith is professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney. He is the author of many books, including Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness and Philosophy of Biology.

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