Knowing Things for Sure: Science and Truth (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780761835110)

In science it is obvious that we are certain about many things, but among philosophers there is little agreement as to why we know these things. In Knowing Things for Sure physicist and realist philosopher, Mariano Artigas traces the confusion to non-realist philosophies and argues that practitioners of experimental science do reach logical truths about reality.

This comprehensive survey of the philosophy of science and mini-history of science uses historical evidence to discuss the aim of science and show how scientists achieve inter-subjective agreement, reach truths about reality, and ultimately impact philosophy. Some of the scientific discoveries and methods referenced include the discovery of elements and the role of the periodic table, Mendel's mathematization of heredity through experiments with peas, Darwin's hypothesis as a framework theory, the prediction of the existence of the blood-brain barrier and its confirmation 70 years later, the discovery of superconductivity and its explanation 60 years later, the use of the uncertainty principle by physicists to estimate magnitudes of particles and duration, the existence of atoms and sub-atomic particles, and the explanatory power of the DNA double helix. Knowing Things for Sure also cites and critiques numerous philosophies from philosophers such as Aristotle, Comte, Mach, Reichenbach, Carnap, and Popper.

Author: Mariano Artigas
ISBN-10: 0761835113
ISBN-13: 9780761835110
Publisher: University Press of America
Language: English
Published: 07/29/2006
Pages: 290
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.06w x 0.45d

Review Citation(s):
Scitech Book News 12/01/2006 pg. 14