Readings in the Philosophy of Science: From Positivism to Postmodernism (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #634,903 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Shikambu (Venice, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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.

1 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not 'perfect', December 27, 2006

By	Konstantinos o Philosophos (Inland Empire, CA USA) - See all my reviews

so-so text...
it's funny that it represents reason as opposed to the faith (meaning Christian faith). The entire section is called "reason versus faith" - that's weird... Faith is not versus reason.
Book is kinda alright, but it subliminally biased a little (well, where are the unbiased textbooks anyway?)...
Text presents some good essays, but could have been better...