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What is Philosophy of Science?

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
What is Philosophy of Science? explores the nature and foundation of science itself. Dean Rickles introduces beginners to key topics such as the distinction between science and pseudo-science, the evaluation of scientific methods, and debates on scientific realism versus anti-realism. The book traces the origins and development of the field, discusses the challenges of defining science, and examines how scientific models represent reality. With clear explanations and engaging real-world examples, Rickles makes complex ideas accessible and lively.
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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?

This primer is ideal for students and readers new to philosophy of science, including those without prior philosophical training, seeking a comprehensive yet approachable introduction to the subject.

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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

Philosophy of science puts science itself under the microscope: What exactly is science? How do its explanations of the world differ from those of other subjects, including so-called "pseudo-sciences"? How should we understand and evaluate scientific methods? What, if anything, can science tell us about the nature of physical reality?

Dean Rickles guides beginners through the central topics in philosophy of science. He looks at the origins and evolution of the field, the issues that arise when distinguishing between science and non-science, the concepts of logic and associated problems, scientific realism and anti-realism, and the nature of scientific models and representing. Rickles brings the subject to sparkling life with a user-friendly tone and rich, real-world examples.

What is Philosophy of Science? is the must-have primer for students getting to grips with this broad-ranging and important topic.

Series: What is Philosophy?

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    Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge. Epistemologists seek to understand knowledge’s nature and availability. What is knowledge? There are competing theories. Can we really have knowledge? Challenges abound. In this lively book, Stephen Hetherington introduces us to epistemological theorizing. He builds a theory and tests it, refines it, and challenges it again. He explores such topics as evidence, truth...
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  • What is Metaphysics?
    If we didn't possess certain beliefs about such things as time, appearance and reality, and how effect follows cause, we wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the morning, let alone read a book about metaphysics, which is the study of our experience and those ideas, or presuppositions, which allow us to make sense of it. Drawing on...
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  • What is Philosophy of Mind?
    We all have minds, but what exactly is a mind? Is your mind the same thing as your brain? How does what’s happening in your mind cause your behaviour? Can you know what’s going on in other people’s minds? Can you even be sure what’s going on in your own? Are babies conscious? How about cats? Or self-driving cars? Philosophy...
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  • What is Ethics?
    Ethics is a field of study that we all need. This is because we all make choices, and ethics is about the general norms that govern how we should make those choices. Not surprisingly, there is disagreement over what the β€œnorms” are, but by working through such disagreement, we can learn how to make better choices. James P. Sterba presents...
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  • What is Philosophy of Religion?
    An important part of philosophy is concerned with religious questions. What is the meaning of life, and how might religious faith or doubt impact such meaning? What is the evidence for the existence of God? Is evidence essential for religious faith? What is the relationship between science and religion? What is the relationship between religions? How can or should one...
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  • What is Philosophy of Science?
    Philosophy of science puts science itself under the microscope: What exactly is science? How do its explanations of the world differ from those of other subjects, including so-called "pseudo-sciences"? How should we understand and evaluate scientific methods? What, if anything, can science tell us about the nature of physical reality? Dean Rickles guides beginners through the central topics in philosophy...
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    $3599
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  • What is Philosophy of Language?
    Language is a major part of what makes us human. We effortlessly attach meaning to sounds and marks, in themselves meaningless, to convey to one another our beliefs, desires, intentions, and other states of mind. How is this amazing feat possible? Claudine Verheggen introduces readers to the fascinating study of language from a philosophical perspective. She sheds light on the...
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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?

Metascience praises the book as "an enjoyable and lively introduction" that is "clear and accessible," suitable for absolute beginners and recommended for students and instructors alike. According to Anjan Chakravartty, University of Miami, it offers "a wonderfully accessible picture" of philosophical attempts to understand science, calling Rickles' introduction "fun, direct, extensive, and captivating." The book is commended for balancing depth and clarity without excessive jargon.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509534173

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 May 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 137.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 249g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Dean RicklesΒ is Professor of History and Philosophy of Modern Physics at the University of Sydney.

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