Research Catalog

Title

Theories on the scrap heap : scientists and philosophers on the falsification, rejection, and replacement of theories / John Losee.

Author

Losee, John.

Publication

Pittsburgh, Pa. : University of Pittsburgh Press, [2005], ©2005.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

viii, 206 pages : illustrations; 23 cm

Summary

"Theories on the Scrap Heap examines the subject of rejected scientific theories through an analysis of case studies from more than two centuries of science. Using excerpts from the work of prominent scientists and philosophers of science, John Losee discusses a sequence of questions about the falsification, rejection, and replacement of theories: When observational evidence conflicts with the assumptions of a theory, does this signify the death of the theory? If rival theories are available to account for an experience, how is the choice between them to be made? Are there generally accepted criteria by which competing theories may be evaluated? When is the replacement of one theory by another justified?"--BOOK JACKET.

Subjects

• Science > Philosophy
• Science > Theory reduction
• Research

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents

1. The logic of falsification -- 2. The limits of falsification -- 3. Are there crucial experiments? -- 4. Falsification and the method of difference -- 5. Popper's methodological falsificationism -- 6. Responses to Prima Facie falsifying evidence -- 7. Whewell on scientific progress -- 8. Kuhn on theory replacement -- 9. Lakatos on progressive research programs -- 10. The asymptotic agreement of calculations -- 11. Successful prediction and the acceptability of theories -- 12. Variety within evidence -- 13. Other factors in theory evaluation.

ISBN

0822958732 (pbk : acid-free paper)

LCCN

• 2004027638
• 9780822958734

OCLC

• ocm57044104
• SCSB-5189238

Owning Institutions

Columbia University Libraries