Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction

Assumes no prior knowledge or formal scientific or philosophical education Accessible, concise introduction Written in a jargon-free style Discusses the controversial 'science wars' Many examples from social and natural sciences What is science? Is there a real difference between science and myth? Is science objective? Can science explain everything? This Very Short Introduction provides a concise overview of the main themes of contemporary philosophy of science. Beginning with a short history of science to set the scene, Samir Okasha goes on to investigate the nature of scientific reasoning, scientific explanation, revolutions in science, and theories such as realism and anti-realism. He also looks at philosophical issues in particular sciences, including the problem of classification in biology, and the nature of space and time in physics. The final chapter touches on the conflicts between science and religion, and explores whether science is ultimately a good thing. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. Readership: Students of philosophy, ethics, and science. General readers interested in science, its definition, history, scope, and difficulties, as well as issues in contemporary science, including philosophical problems in biology, physics, and linguisitics.