| Title: | The Nature of Scientific Knowledge |
| Other Titles: | An Explanatory Approach |
| Authors: | McCain, Kevin |
| Keywords: | Philosophy The Nature of Scientific Knowledge |
| Issue Date: | 2016 |
| Publisher: | Springer |
| Abstract: | The goal of this book is to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the epistemology of science. To the degree that it is successful, this book introduces readers to epistemology in general as well as the particular nuances of scientific knowledge. The chapters that follow, while far from exhaustive treatments of the various topics, provide readers with a solid introduction to philosophical topics that will be of particular use for those seeking to better understand the nature of scientific knowledge. My own understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge has greatly benefited from discussions with many colleagues and friends: Marshall Abrams, Jon Altschul, Bryan Appley, John G. Bennett, Mike Bergmann, Mike Bishop, Kenny Boyce, Brandon Carey, Eli Chudnoff, Christopher Cloos, Earl Conee, Brett Coppenger, Andy Cullison, Trent Dougherty, John Dudley, Rich Feldman, Bill Fitzpatrick, Richard Fumerton, Chris Gadsden, Jeff Glick, Alvin Goldman, David Grober- Morrow, Ali Hasan, Sommer Hodson, Kostas Kampourakis, Matt King, Court Lewis, Clayton Littlejohn, Todd Long, Jack Lyons, Peter Markie, Josh May, Matt McGrath, Andrew Moon, Alyssa Ney, Tim Perrine, Kate Phillips, Ted Poston, Jason Rogers, Bill Rowley, Carl Sachs, Greg Stoutenburg, Philip Swenson, Chris Tweedt, Jonathan Vogel, Brad Weslake, Ed Wierenga, Chase Wrenn, Sarah Wright, and several others. Thank you all. |
| Description: | This chapter explains and motivates the importance of understanding the nature of scientific knowledge. The chapter begins by briefly exploring some of the recent science education literature and some of the ways that the literature might benefit from stronger philosophical foundations. Roughly, it will be noted that since scientific knowledge is just a special instance of knowledge, understanding the nature of knowledge in general can provide key insights into the nature of scientific knowledge. These insights into knowledge in general and scientific knowledge in particular seem to hold promise for bolstering the effectiveness of the science education literature on the nature of science. It is because of this that it is important to understand the basics of key debates in epistemology. Also, it is noted that challenges to our general knowledge of the world around us are equally challenges to our scientific knowledge. After briefly explaining the relevance of understanding scientific knowledge this chapter provides an overview of the remaining chapters of the book. |
| URI: | http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/250 |
| ISBN: | 978-3-319-33405-9 |
| Appears in Collections: | ARTS & SCIENCE |
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016_Book_TheNatureOfScientificKnowledge.pdf | 2.74 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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