Description
In this innovative book, Hasok Chang constructs a philosophy of science for 'realistic people' interested in understanding and promoting the actual practices of inquiry in science and other knowledge-focused areas of life. Inspired by pragmatist philosophy, he reconceives the very notions of reality and truth on the basis of his concept of the 'operational coherence' of epistemic activities, and offers new pragmatist conceptions of truth and reality as operational ideals achievable in actual scientific practice. Rejecting the version of scientific realism that is concerned with claiming that our theories correspond to an ultimate reality, he proposes instead an 'activist realism': a commitment to do all that we can actually do to improve our knowledge of realities. His book will appeal to scholars and students in philosophy, science and the history of science, and all who are concerned about the place of science and empirical truth in society.
A new pragmatist philosophy of science that conceives truth and reality as operational ideals achievable in actual scientific practice.
About the Author
Hasok Chang is the Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of Inventing Temperature: Measurement and Scientific Progress (2004), joint winner of the 2006 Lakatos Award, and of Is Water H2O? Evidence, Realism and Pluralism (2012).
Reviews
'In this bold and wide-ranging new book, Hasok Chang provides a cornucopia of new ideas that challenge deeply-entrenched ways of thinking about scientific practice. He shows how insights of views that are often taken to be at odds with one another can be fruitfully combined in his own distinctive version of pragmatism. A tour de force.' Philip Kitcher, Emeritus, Columbia University
'It is a challenging task for philosophy of science to understand science in its subtlety and complexity. In this book, Hasok Chang achieves even more than that. His endeavour to make knowledge active is an inspiring contribution to reworking and improving the epistemic framework of science.' Martin Carrier, Bielefield University
Book Information
ISBN 9781108470384
Author Hasok Chang
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 580g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 21mm
A new pragmatist philosophy of science that conceives truth and reality as operational ideals achievable in actual scientific practice.
About the Author
Hasok Chang is the Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of Inventing Temperature: Measurement and Scientific Progress (2004), joint winner of the 2006 Lakatos Award, and of Is Water H2O? Evidence, Realism and Pluralism (2012).
Reviews
'In this bold and wide-ranging new book, Hasok Chang provides a cornucopia of new ideas that challenge deeply-entrenched ways of thinking about scientific practice. He shows how insights of views that are often taken to be at odds with one another can be fruitfully combined in his own distinctive version of pragmatism. A tour de force.' Philip Kitcher, Emeritus, Columbia University
'It is a challenging task for philosophy of science to understand science in its subtlety and complexity. In this book, Hasok Chang achieves even more than that. His endeavour to make knowledge active is an inspiring contribution to reworking and improving the epistemic framework of science.' Martin Carrier, Bielefield University
Book Information
ISBN 9781108470384
Author Hasok Chang
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 580g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 21mm
