Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Science: A Unified Approach, Second Edition combines a general introduction to philosophy of science with an integrated survey of all its important subfields. As the book’s subtitle suggests, this excellent overview is guided methodologically by "a unified approach" to philosophy of science: behind the diversity of scientific fields one can recognize a methodological unity. This unity is worked out in this book, revealing all the while important differences between subject areas.

The book offers a two-part approach that makes it an excellent introduction for readers new to the field and a useful resource for more advanced students. Each chapter is divided into two sections. The first section assumes no foreknowledge of the subject introduced, and the second section builds upon the first by bringing into the conversation more advanced, complementary topics from contemporary research.

Definitions, key propositions, examples and figures complement all of the core material. At the end of every chapter there are selected readings and exercise questions (with solutions and answers to many of them at the end of the book). The book also includes a comprehensive bibliography and an index.

The Second Edition has been revised to make the technical material much more accessible for students outside of the sciences and philosophy. It also incorporates new research over the last decade, including significantly expanded coverage of values and science, mechanistic explanations, and inductive risk. An extended index of subjects that can also be used as a glossary has been added to the back of the book.

Gerhard Schurz (MSc 1080, PhD 1083) is professor for philosophy at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (since 3/2002) and member of the Leopoldina (German academy of sciences) and the International Academy for Philosophy of Science. Before 2002, he was associated professor at the University of Salzburg and guest professor at the University of California at Irvine and Yale University. His research areas include philosophy of science, epistemology, logic, and cognitive science. He is author of 270 research articles and 12 books.