Readings in the Philosophy of Science: From Positivism to Postmodernism [Paperback]

Theodore Schick (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0767402774 | ISBN-13: 978-0767402774 | Publication Date: December 10, 1999 | Edition: 1

This anthology traces the development of thinking in the philosophy of science from logical positivism to the present. Subsequent articles often clarify or critique preceding ones. As a result, students get a sense of how philosophical theories develop in response to one another.

Product Details

• Paperback: 393 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 1 edition (December 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767402774
• ISBN-13: 978-0767402774
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Argumentation at Its Best!, February 14, 2003

By 

Rook Andalus (Venice, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Readings in the Philosophy of Science: From Positivism to Postmodernism (Paperback)

This book is organized under 9 sections each containing several papers and excerpts written by well-known philosophers of science. Each section deals with a major theme in the philosophy of science such as the nature of scientific theories, reason vs. faith, some contemporary issues like the philosophy of physics, psychology and biology, and more.

What makes this book unique is that each paper (or excerpt) is followed by a paper (or excerpt) supporting an opposing argument to one just presented. The juxtaposition of two texts provides the reader with adequate material with which to ponder. The author's purpose does not appear to give the reader two options from which to choose the "better" argument, for this would be the fallacy of false alternative... nor does the author do this to encourage the reader to find a "happy" compromise between opposing arguments, for this would be utilizing the defeated Socratic dialectic... the purpose is to promote critical thinking in the reader. Analogically speaking, this book is to the reader (philosopher) what weights are to a body builder. It is the food for thought! A well-organized intelligent read I highly recommend!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A walk in the clouds of thought, May 1, 2001

By 

Bob (Kutztown, Pa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Readings in the Philosophy of Science: From Positivism to Postmodernism (Paperback)

As a former student of Dr.Schick, I can credit him with teaching me the value of critical thinking, and how to do it. Here, is an excellent collection of great thinkers, with insight and commentary on the nature of life, man, and mind. Anyone who wants to know his or her place in the world, or simply enjoys lively debate and exploration into the great questions that shape our world, would appreciate this edition.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Phylosopy book, February 27, 2011

By 

edwin_b24 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Readings in the Philosophy of Science: From Positivism to Postmodernism (Paperback)

Is a good item. Interesting topics, but a little hard to understand. Some articles may have to be readed more that once to get the ideas