The Philosophy of Science: A Companion

Description

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. Cover......Page 1 Series......Page 3 The Philosophy of Science......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 14 About the Contributors......Page 16 Part I General Philosophy of Science......Page 20 1. Scientific Explanation—​Denis Bonnay......Page 22 2. Confirmation and Induction—​Mikaël Cozic......Page 72 3. Causality—​Max Kistler......Page 114 4. Metaphysics of Science as Naturalized Metaphysics—​Michael Esfeld......Page 161 5. Theories and Models—​Marion Vorms......Page 190 6. Scientific Change—​Anouk Barberousse and Marion Vorms......Page 244 7. Philosophy of Science and Science Studies—​Anouk Barberousse......Page 278 8. Reduction and Emergence—​Pascal Ludwig......Page 304 Part II Philosophy of the Special Sciences......Page 336 9. Philosophy of Logic—​Philippe de Rouilhan......Page 338 10. Philosophy of Mathematics—​Denis Bonnay and Jacques Dubucs......Page 368 11. Philosophy of Physics—​Anouk Barberousse......Page 424 12. Philosophy of Biology—​Thomas Pradeu......Page 449 13. Philosophy of Medicine—​Élodie Giroux and Maël Lemoine......Page 483 14. Philosophy of Social Sciences—​Jon Elster and Hélène Landemore......Page 529 15. Philosophy of Economics—​Mikaël Cozic......Page 561 16. Philosophy of Cognitive Science—​Daniel Andler......Page 614 17. Philosophy of Linguistics—​Paul Égré......Page 673 Index......Page 746