Explaining Science: A Cognitive Approach

"This volume presents an attempt to construct a unified cognitive theory of science in relatively short compass. It confronts the strong program in sociology of science and the positions of various postpositivist philosophers of science, developing significant alternatives to each in a reeadily comprehensible sytle. It draws loosely on recent developments in cognitive science, without burdening the argument with detailed results from that source. . . . The book is thus a provocative one. Perhaps that is a measure of its value: it will lead scholars and serious student from a number of science studies disciplines into continued and sharpened debate over fundamental questions."--Richard Burian, Isis "The writing is delightfully clear and accessible. On balance, few books advance our subject as well."--Paul Teller, Philosophy of Science

Elizabeth A. Kaye specializes in communications as part of her coaching and consulting practice. She has edited Requirements for Certification since the 2000-01 edition.

List of Figures
Preface
Acknowledgments
Toward a Unified Cognitive Theory of Science What Might a Cognitive Theory of Science Be?
Rationality, Relativism, and Cognition Representation and Judgment Naturalistic Realism Can the Philosophy of Science Be Naturalized?
Must the Naturalistic Study of Science Be Viciously Circular?
Evolutionary Naturalism What Might a Cognitive Theory of Science Be Like?
A Role for History?
Overview of This Book
Theories of Science Logical Empiricism
The Social Structure of Science Paradigms and Revolutions
Programs and Traditions Constructive Empiricism
The Strong Program Laboratory Studies
The Sociological Analysis of Scientists' Discourse
Models and Theories The Science Textbook
The Organization of a Mechanics Text
The Linear Oscillator Interpretation and Identification
The Laws of Motion Models and Hypotheses
What Is a Scientific Theory?
What about Axiomatic Presentations of Mechanics?
Beyond Classical Mechanics
Constructive Realism Respects of Similarity Varieties of Empiricism Unrestricted Realism Metaphysical Realism Modal Realism Laws as Universal Generalizations
Causal Models and Causal Explanations Realistic Rejoinders
Realism in the Laboratory Contingency and Negotiation Producing Protons Using Protons Experimentation and Realism
The Limitations of Empiricism
The Limitations of Constructivism Geometrical Cognition in Nuclear Research
The Role of Technology in Scientific Research
Scientific Judgment Scientists as Decision Makers Basic Decision Models Bayesian Decision Models Are Scientists Bayesian Agents?
Satisficing Models Scientists as Satisficers Experimental Tests Philosophical Objections
The Role of Probability in Science
Models and Experiments Models of the Nuclear Potential Background to the Pursuit of Relativistic Dirac Models Response to the New Data
Why Successful Predictions Matter Further Evidence
The Design and Execution of an Experimental Test Cognitive Resources and Scientific Interests An Evolutionary Picture The Future of Dirac Models in Nuclear Physics
Explaining the Revolution in Geology Contractionist Models Wegener and Continental Drift Wegener's Critics Oceanography and Paleomagnetism Seafloor Spreading The Vine-Matthews Hypothesis The Juan de Fuca Ridge
The Vindication of Seafloor Spreading Mobilism Becomes a Satisfactory Option Revolution or Evolution?
Epilogue: Reflexive Reflections
Notes
References
Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

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Explaining Science: A Cognitive Approach

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