This book guides readers by gradual steps through the central concepts and debates in the philosophy of science. Using concrete examples from the history of science, Kent W. Staley shows how seemingly abstract philosophical issues are relevant to important aspects of scientific practice.

Structured in two parts, the book first tackles the central concepts of the philosophy of science, such as the problem of induction, falsificationism, and underdetermination, and important figures and movemen...

Guiding readers through the central philosophical debates within the philosophy of science, this thoroughly updated second edition includes topics such as scientific rationality, objectivity, and progress; the philosophical importance of scientific models; and the impact of feminist ideas on our understanding of science.