Philosophy of Science

A Very Short Introduction

By: Samir Okasha

Narrated by: Liam Gerrard

How much faith should we place in what scientists tell us? Is it possible for scientific knowledge to be fully "objective"? What, really, can be defined as science? In the second edition of this very short introduction, Samir Okasha explores the main themes and theories of contemporary philosophy of science and investigates fascinating, challenging questions such as these.

Starting at the very beginning, with a concise overview of the history of science, Okasha examines the nature of fundamental practices such as reasoning, causation, and explanation. Looking at scientific revolutions and the issue of scientific change, he asks whether there is a discernible pattern to the way scientific ideas change over time, and discusses realist versus anti-realist attitudes towards science. He finishes by considering science today, and the social and ethical philosophical questions surrounding modern science.

©2002, 2016 Samir Okasha (P)2021 Tantor

Comprehensive yet short overview

It is a very good starting point for anyone interested in the philosophy of science or scientists themselves

Awesome

I liked the flow of information and how author was able to justify the philosophical nature of scientific thoughts and questions!

VSI#67

Not too bad. I guess that's a hard way to start a review. I liked it, It did its job. I can handle reading something I'm familiar with if it delivers it in a fresh way. I wanted the grooves to go deeper. I felt he hit all the targets, just didn't shake me with any of them. It isn't just that it is a subject I'm familiar with because I've like other VSIs that delivered no real new information, but the way they told the story was worth the time and money. I also just don't know if THIS book would have hooked me if I didn't know the subject.