Knowing Things for Sure Science and Truth

In science it is obvious that we are certain about many things, but among philosophers there is little agreement as to why we know these things. In Knowing Things for Sure physicist and realist philosopher, Mariano Artigas traces the confusion to non-realist philosophies and argues that practitioners of experimental science do reach logical truths about reality. This comprehensive survey of the philosophy of science and mini-history of science uses historical evidence to discuss the aim of science and show how scientists achieve inter-subjective agreement, reach truths about reality, and ultimately impact philosophy.

Mariano Artigas is a full Professor of Philosophy of Science at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.

Translator's Preface

Preface to the American Edition Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Aim of Science

5

(32)

1.1Three aspects of science

6

(3)

1.2 The goals of scientific activity

9

(4)

1.3 Experimental control

13

(4)

1.4 Experimentation and experience

17

(4)

1.5 The clash with the ancient ideal of science

21

(4)

1.6 The nature of experimental science

25

(4)

1.7 Discussion: the scientific conception of the world

29

(8)

Chapter 2 Types Of Scientific Activity

37

(24)

2.1 Scientific investigation

38

(5)

2.2 Systematization and its functions

43

(3)

2.3 Transmission of scientific knowledge

46

(4)

2.4 Application of theories

50

(2)

2.5 The unity of the scientific enterprise

52

(2)

2.6 Discussion: the logic and psychology of science

54

(7)

Chapter 3 The Scientific Method

61

(26)

3.1 The construction of the scientific object

62

(2)

3.2 Models: their references and meaning

64

(2)

3.3 Formation of theories

66

(2)

3.4 Confirmation of the validity of theories

68

(5)

3.5 The deductive method

73

(4)

3.6 Induction

77

(2)

3.7 Discussion: the unity of the scientific method

79

(8)

Chapter 4 Theoretical Constructs

87

(24)

4.1 Scientific concepts

87

(5)

4.2 Scientific statements

92

(5)

4.3 Theories

97

(3)

4.4 Experimental data

100

(3)

4.5 Discussion: empiricism, apriorism, conventionalism, and operationalism

103

(8)

Chapter 5 Scientific Objectivity

111

(24)

5.1 Objectivity and objectification

112

(2)

5.2 Objectification and experimental control

114

(3)

5.3 Conventional factors of scientific objectivity

117

(5)

5.4 Limits of scientific objectivity

122

(2)

5.5 Objectivity and evidence

124

(3)

5.6 The nature of scientific inter-subjectivity

127

(3)

5.7 Discussion: public knowledge

130

(5)

Chapter 6 Science and Truth

135

(24)

6.1 Demonstrability: contextual and referential

136

(4)

6.2 Truth that is partial

140

(3)

6.3 Context, pragmatics, and correspondence to reality

143

(2)

6.4 The realist intention of scientific activity

145

(3)

6.5 The reality of scientific constructs

148

(2)

6.6 Experimental science and philosophical realism

150

(2)

6.7 Discussion: scientific truth

152

(7)

Chapter 7 The Progress of Science

159

(24)

7.1 The birth of experimental science

160

(4)

7.2 The consolidation of scientific disciplines

164

(2)

7.3 Intra-disciplinary progress

166

(2)

7.4 Progress, objectification, and truth

168

(3)

7.5 Accumulative progress

171

(1)

7.6 The commensurability of theories

172

(3)

7.7 Discussion: Factors internal and external to scientific progress

175

(6)

7.8 Summary about the progress of science

181

(2)

Chapter 8 The Philosophical Impact of Science

183

(26)

8.1 The meaning of scientific activity

183

(5)

8.2 The ontology of science

188

(2)

8.3 Science and rationality

190

(2)

8.4 The problem of demarcation

192

(4)

8.5 Scientism

196

(3)

8.6 The reliability of science

199

(4)

8.7 Discussion: the philosophy of science

203

(5)

8.8 Summary

208

(1)

Epilog

209

(14)

E.1 The nature of the philosophy of science

209

(3)

E.2 The nature of experimental science

212

(4)

E.3 The problem of scientific truth

216

(5)

E.4 The relation between science, philosophy, and theology

221

(2)

Notes

223

(18)

Glossary

241

Bibliography

249

(10)

Author Index

259

(4)

Subject Index

263

(10)

Author Biographical Sketch

273

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

FREE SHIPPING

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Knowing Things for Sure Science and Truth

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials