The Philosophy of Science: A Companion : A Companion

Philosophy of science studies the methods, theories, and concepts used by scientists. It mainly developed as a field in its own right during the twentieth century and is now a diversified and lively research area. This book surveys the current state of the discipline by focusing on central themes like confirmation of scientific hypotheses, scientific explanation, causality, the relationship between science and metaphysics, scientific change, the relationship between philosophy of science and science studies, the role of theories and models, unity of science. These themes define general philosophy of science. The book also presents sub-disciplines in the philosophy of science dealing with the main sciences: logic, mathematics, physics, biology, medicine, cognitive science, linguistics, social sciences, and economics. While it is common to address the specific philosophical problems raised by physics and biology in such a book, the place assigned to the philosophy of special sciences is much more unusual. Most authors collaborate on a regular basis in their research or teaching and share a common vision of philosophy of science and its place within philosophy and academia in general. The chapters have been written in close accordance with the three editors, thus achieving strong unity of style and tone. "Philosophy of science studies the methods, theories, and concepts used by scientists. It mainly developed as a field in its own right during the twentieth century and is now a diversified and lively research area. This book surveys the current state of the discipline by focusing on central themes such as confirmation of scientific hypotheses, scientific explanation, causality, the relationship between science and metaphysics, scientific change, the relationship between philosophy of science and science studies, the role of theories and models, and unity of science. These themes define general philosophy of science. The book also presents subdisciplines in the philosophy of science dealing with the main sciences: logic, mathematics, physics, biology, medicine, cognitive science, linguistics, social sciences, and economics. Although it is common to address the specific philosophical problems raised by physics and biology in such a book, the place assigned to the philosophy of special sciences is much more unusual. Most authors collaborate on a regular basis in their research or teaching and share a common vision of philosophy of science and its place within philosophy and academia in general. The chapters have been written in close accordance with the three editors, thus achieving strong unity of style and tone." -- Oxford Scholarship Online Contents Preface Acknowledgments About the Contributors Part I: General Philosophy of Science 1. Scientific Explanation • Denis Bonnay 2. Confirmation and Induction • Mikaël Cozic 3. Causality • Max Kistler 4. Metaphysics of Science as Naturalized Metaphysics • Michael Esfeld 5. Theories and Models • Marion Vorms 6. Scientific Change • Anouk Barberousse and Marion Vorms 7. Philosophy of Science and Science Studies • Anouk Barberousse 8. Reduction and Emergence • Pascal Ludwig Part II: Philosophy of the Special Sciences 9. Philosophy of Logic • Philippe de Rouilhan 10. Philosophy of Mathematics • Denis Bonnay and Jacques Dubucs 11. Philosophy of Physics • Anouk Barberousse 12. Philosophy of Biology • Thomas Pradeu 13. Philosophy of Medicine • Élodie Giroux and Maël Lemoine 14. Philosophy of Social Sciences • Jon Elster and Hélène Landemore 15. Philosophy of Economics • Mikaël Cozic 16. Philosophy of Cognitive Science • Daniel Andler 17. Philosophy of Linguistics • Paul Égré Index Philosophy Of Science Studies The Methods, Theories And Concepts Used By Scientists. This Book Addresses Both General Philosophy Of Science And Specific Questions Raised By Logic, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Medicine, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Social Sciences, And Economics.