Worldviews: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science / Edition 2

Worldviews: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science / Edition 2

by Richard DeWitt
ISBN-10:
1405195630
ISBN-13:
9781405195638
Pub. Date:
10/05/2010
Publisher:
Wiley
ISBN-10:
1405195630
ISBN-13:
9781405195638
Pub. Date:
10/05/2010
Publisher:
Wiley
Worldviews: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science / Edition 2

Worldviews: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science / Edition 2

by Richard DeWitt
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Overview

The first edition of Worldviews was widely hailed as one of the most accessible introductions to the history and philosophy of science - with author Richard DeWitt garnering particular critical acclaim for his ability to present complex concepts in a thoroughly engaging manner. This updated Second Edition continues its focus on fundamental conceptual issues, exploring the transition from the Aristotelian to Newtonian worldviews, and further considering the challenges to our Western worldview brought about by recent developments, particularly relativity theory, quantum theory, and evolutionary theory. In addition, three new chapters are included that feature extensive coverage of scientific laws, evolutionary theory, and the philosophical/conceptual implications of evolution. By providing readers at all levels with the critical tools necessary for reflecting on the nature and development of Western scientific thought, Worldviews: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science, Second Edition, enhances its reputation as the ideal introduction to the concepts of the philosophy of science.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781405195638
Publisher: Wiley
Publication date: 10/05/2010
Pages: 392
Product dimensions: 6.70(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Richard DeWitt is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Fairfield University. In addition to the history and philosophy of science, Professor DeWitt’s research interests include mathematical and philosophical logic, and the philosophy of mind.

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Table of Contents

List of figures ix

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction 1

Part I Fundamental Issues 5

1 Worldviews 7

2 Truth 17

3 Empirical Facts and Philosophical/Conceptual Facts 32

4 Confirming and Disconfirming Evidence and Reasoning 38

5 The Quine-Duhem Thesis and Implications for Scientific Method 46

6 Philosophical Interlude: Problems and Puzzles of Induction 58

7 Falsifiability 66

8 Instrumentalism and Realism 71

Part II The Transition from the Aristotelian Worldview to the Newtonian Worldview 79

9 The Structure of the Universe on the Aristotelian Worldview 81

10 The Preface to Ptolemy's Almagest: The Earth as Spherical, Stationary, and at the Center of the Universe 87

11 Astronomical Data: The Empirical Facts 99

12 Astronomical Data: The Philosophical/Conceptual Facts 106

13 The Ptolemaic System 113

14 The Copernican System 123

15 The Tychonic System 134

16 Kepler's System 137

17 Galileo and the Evidence from the Telescope 148

18 A Summary of Problems Facing the Aristotelian Worldview 164

19 Philosophical and Conceptual Connections in the Development of the New Science 170

20 Overview of the New Science and the Newtonian Worldview 175

21 Philosophical Interlude: What is a Scientific Law" 183

22 The Development of the Newtonian Worldview, 1700-1900 192

Part III Recent Developments in Science and Worldviews 205

23 The Special Theory of Relativity 207

24 The General Theory of Relativity 227

25 Overview of the Empirical Facts, Mathematics, and Interpretations of Quantum Theory 235

26 Quantum Theory and Locality: EPR, Bell's Theorem, and the Aspect Experiments 272

27 Overview of the Theory of Evolution 287

28 Philosophical and Conceptual Implications of Evolution 310

29 Worldviews: Concluding Thoughts 341

Chapter Notes and Suggested Reading 349

References 366

Index 371

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Quite simply, this is one of the most accessible – and teachable – introductions to the history and philosophy of science I've seen in over two decades of teaching. DeWitt's exposition and discussion – manifestly honed by extensive classroom teaching experience – are exceptionally clear, and helpfully complimented by some of the best diagrams I've seen. DeWitt thus makes complex ideas and developments cogent and straightforward, especially for undergraduates and those approaching the history and philosophy of science for the first time."
Charles Ess, Drury University

"Richard DeWitt's Worldviews is a splendid introductory text. It is organized around themes – traditions and their overthrow – geared to engage undergraduates. It is historically informed and philosophically sensible. Best of all, it abounds in examples skillfully drawn from the physical sciences and made accessible to the non-specialist. The philosophy of science students encounter through Worldviews will strike them as the philosophy of real science – the science of Newton, Einstein, Copernicus, and Aristotle – and not some denatured surrogate for science concocted by philosophers so that it might succumb to the tools of their trade."
Laura Ruetsche, University of Pittsburgh

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