Philosophy of Science
The philosophy of science is concerned with the assumptions, foundations, methods and implications of science. It is also concerned with the use and merit of science and sometimes overlaps metaphysics and epistemology by exploring whether scientific results are actually a study of truth. In addition to these central problems of science as a whole, many philosophers of science also consider problems that apply to particular sciences (e.g.philosophy of biology or philosophy of physics). Some philosophers of science also use contemporary results in science to reach conclusions about philosophy.
Philosophy of science has historically been met with mixed response from the scientific community. Though scientists often contribute to the field, many prominent scientists have felt that the practical effect on their work is limited; a popular quote attributed to physicist Richard Feynman goes, “Philosophy of science is about as useful to scientists as ornithology is to birds.” In response, some philosophers (e.g. Jonathan Schaffer[1]) have pointed out that it is likely that ornithological knowledge would be of great benefit to birds, were it possible for them to possess it. Contents [hide] * 1 Demarcation * 2 Scientific realism and instrumentalism * 3 Scientific explanation * 4 Analysis and reductionism * 5 Grounds of validity of scientific reasoning * 5.1 Empirical verification * 5.2 Induction * 5.3 Test of an isolated theory impossible * 5.4 Theory-dependence of observations * 5.5 Coherentism * 5.6 Ockham's razor * 5.7 Objectivity of observations in science * 6 Philosophy of particular sciences * 6.1 Philosophy of biology * 6.2 Philosophy of chemistry * 6.3 Philosophy of economics * 6.4 Philosophy of mathematics * 6.5 Philosophy of physics * 6.6 Philosophy of psychology * 7 Positivism and social science * 8 Social accountability * 8.1 Scientific openness * 8.2 Critiques of
Philosophy of science has historically been met with mixed response from the scientific community. Though scientists often contribute to the field, many prominent scientists have felt that the practical effect on their work is limited; a popular quote attributed to physicist Richard Feynman goes, “Philosophy of science is about as useful to scientists as ornithology is to birds.” In response, some philosophers (e.g. Jonathan Schaffer[1]) have pointed out that it is likely that ornithological knowledge would be of great benefit to birds, were it possible for them to possess it. Contents [hide] * 1 Demarcation * 2 Scientific realism and instrumentalism * 3 Scientific explanation * 4 Analysis and reductionism * 5 Grounds of validity of scientific reasoning * 5.1 Empirical verification * 5.2 Induction * 5.3 Test of an isolated theory impossible * 5.4 Theory-dependence of observations * 5.5 Coherentism * 5.6 Ockham's razor * 5.7 Objectivity of observations in science * 6 Philosophy of particular sciences * 6.1 Philosophy of biology * 6.2 Philosophy of chemistry * 6.3 Philosophy of economics * 6.4 Philosophy of mathematics * 6.5 Philosophy of physics * 6.6 Philosophy of psychology * 7 Positivism and social science * 8 Social accountability * 8.1 Scientific openness * 8.2 Critiques of