The Rationality of Science

by W.H. Newton-Smith

Book Overview

A clear, original and systematic introduction to philosophy of science which examines the theories of Popper, Lakatos, Kuhn and Feyerabend before proposing a new, temperate rationalist perspective. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0710009135
• ISBN13: 9780710009135
• Release Date: June 1991
• Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul Books
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent

If you've ever been at a University, you've been inundated by hordes of smug post-modernists who seem to think that nothing exists except their paychecks and desire for tenure. If you've ever felt that they are out to lunch, that they argue against flagrant straw men, or that trying to talk with them is like arguing with a spastic colon, this book will refresh you.Newton-Smith walks a reasonble line between the grotesque extremes of logical positivism and deconstructionism. Along the way, he actually gets science right, an attribute of few if any other philosophers of science. I say this as someone who worked as a professional scientist for 13 years.The book is somewhat repetitive, as it consists of essays that in many cases contain the same or similar arguments. Yet any one of the essays is worth the price of the book.Besides, you have to love a philosopher of science named "Newton-Smith."

A great second textbook in Philosophy of Science

This is a book to read once you already know a little about the classics of the field, or have perhaps read an introductory survey. Newton-Smith presents a clear and calm defense of scientific realism, based on the failings of the obvious rivals. It is well-written and lively; the target audience won't be scared by the mild spattering of formal logic.