Understanding Philosophy of Science

In this exceptionally clear and engaging introduction to the philosophy of science, James Ladyman explores the philosophical questions that arise when we reflect on the nature of the scientific method and the knowledge it produces. He discusses whether fundamental philosophical questions about knowledge and reality might be answered by science, and considers in detail the debate between realists and antirealists about the extent of scientific knowledge.

The style remains unassuming, bringing to life the essential questions in the philosophy of science. Ideal for any student of philosophy or science, the book requires no previous knowledge of either discipline. It contains suggestions for further reading and cross-references with an extensive bibliography, making this the ideal textbook for students coming to the subject for the first time.

The second edition includes the following key features:

• new chapter ‘Confirmation and Evidence’ which will include Nicod’s criterion and Hempel’s symmetry thesis and Bayesianism
• new content added to the ‘Revolutions and Rationality’ chapter, including Post-Kuhnian views of the scientific method
• more content on social factors in science and recent views of science.