Philosophy of Science: Metaphysical and Epistemological Foundations

With authoritative and original insights, Philosophy of Science: The Fundamentals explores some of the fundamental questions relating to metaphysics and the philosophy of science. Integrates metaphysics with the philosophy of science Provides a unique philosophical viewpoint Areas covered include classical particle mechanics, scientific physical modalities and the laws of nature, the scientific and manifest images, scientific explanations, and the nature of time Offers an accessible introduction to a challenging topic.

1. Introduction.2. Newtonian mechanics as a working example.3. Laws of nature.4. Chance, dispositions, causation, and the "laws" of the special sciences.5. Explanation.6. Evidence and confirmation.7. Representation and reduction.8. Conclusion