Metaphysics, Philosophy of Science - General & Miscellaneous, Science, Philosophy of, Scientific Methodology
Available on Bookshop
Write a review
Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Log in to track your reading progress.
Overview
This new book by Elie Zahar puts rational metaphysics back at the heart of the scientific enterprise. Zahar shows that the metaphysical doctrine of Structural Realism is central to the progress of science and consequently the positivist separation of philosophy and science is untenable. Against Reichenbach and Popper, Zahar argues that the 'context of discovery' not only can be rationally reconstructed, but positively demands a rational reconstruction. The last two chapters are case studies-of classical atomism and of Einstein's scientific achievement-demonstrating the vital role of metaphysics in the growth of knowledge.About the Author:
Elie Zahar is Reader Emeritus in Logic and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics and Research Scholar at Wolfson College, Cambridge
Synopsis
Recent scholars have attempted to remake epistemology as a purely subjectivist enterprise. Elie Zahar argues convincingly that rational metaphysics is both relevant and crucial to scientific research and discovery, and presents case studies on the development of the atomic theory and Einstein’s philosophy of science to support his contention.
Book Details
Published
June 1, 2007
Publisher
Open Court Publishing Company
Pages
320
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780812696035