Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction

Samir Okasha

May 2002 · OUP Oxford

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

It doesn't have proper page numbers? I'm using this for a class and cannot find the assigned readings easily because of this. Why would you not put actual page numbers like on a pdf? I wish I didn't buy this copy at all.

I wanted to get a glimpse of the content via the free sample, but it's nothing but copywrite and table of contents! I really wanted to read a portion to see if I wanted to buy, but regrettably the table of contents does not classify as a sample of the author's writing style. At least I hope not!

About the author

Samir Okasha is currently Lecturer in Philosophy, University of York. He has published numerous articles in philosophy journals, in the areas of philosophy of science, philosophy of biology, and epistemology. He has previously held a Jacobean Fellowship in Philosophy at University of London and has taught at the University of Mexico.