Description

Thirteen specially written essays discuss topics from the work of Bas van Fraassen, one of the most important contemporary philosophers of science. The central and unifying theme of the volume is empiricism, an approach which van Fraassen developed most fully in The Scientific Image and The Empirical Stance . Thirteen of the world's leading experts in the field examine van Fraassen's defence of scientific anti-realism (which he sees as a core tenet of empiricism), as well as his claim that adopting a philosophical position like empiricism does not consist in holding a particular set of beliefs, but is rather a matter of taking a stance . Images of Empiricism concludes with an extensive and intriguing reply by van Fraassen, in which he develops and corrects his old views, and offers new insights into the nature of science, empiricism, and philosophy itself.

Features

• Offers an astute review of Van Fraasen's cutting-edge research in the philosophy of science
• Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand van Fraasen's impressive work
• Written by thirteen leading authorities in the field
• Concludes with a specially written reply by van Fraassen himself, shedding new light on his understanding of empiricism

Product Details

346 pages; ISBN13: 978-0-19-921884-4ISBN10: 0-19-921884-6

About the Author(s)