Product Description
Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Science contains sixteen original essays by leading authors in the philosophy of science, each one defending the affirmative or negative answer to one of eight specific questions, including: Are there laws of social science? Are causes physically connected to their effects? Is the mind a system of modules shaped by natural selection?

• Brings together fresh debates on eight of the most controversial issues in the philosophy of science.
  
• Questions addressed include: “Are there laws of social science?”; “Are causes physically connected to their effects?”; “Is the mind a system of modules shaped by natural selection?”
  
• Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars, and especially commissioned for the volume.
  
• Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.
  
• Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in contemporary philosophy of science, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers.

Product Description
The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Biology is an exciting collection of new essays written especially to give the reader an introduction to one of the most vibrant areas of scholarship today, and at the same time to move the subject forward dramatically. Written in a clear and rigorous style it will give the more experienced scholar much to think about and will also be of great value to the new student of the subject. The handbook covers the history of the topic, then moves into important analyses of contemporary evolutionary thinking, and continues with discussions of genetics and the moral and epistemological foundations of our understanding of heredity. The book goes on to cover ecology, behavior and morality, and does not neglect religion or feminist issues. Finally, it takes up matters to do with language and metaphor.

The authors range from the senior and experienced to new and exciting young scholars.The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Biology is a collection that will be of interest to philosophers of science, to philosophers generally, as well as biologists of all kinds.There is no better way to learn about this dynamic field than through the essays in this volume. ... Read more

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Product Description
This comprehensive and balanced introduction to the philosophy of biology takes a fresh look at the subject in an accessible way. Alex Rosenberg clarifies the philosophical problems relevant to biologists, discussing how eminent biologists from Darwin to Lewontin have addressed these issues, and showing how philosophy of biology is indispensable for biologists. This user-friendly book will appeal to students of biology and philosophy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

First in Class
There have been several books carrying the ostensibly vague, if not pompous, title of "Philosophy of Biology" (see the two edited by Hull and Ruse, one for Oxford and the other for Cambridge University Press; and one by Ruse for Prometheus). Most of the others are compilations of essays written by diverse writers. One will find Rosenberg and McShea refreshingly original. It is profound and yet lucid. It stated its aims clearly, explaining from the outset the meaning of the phrase "The Philosophy of Biology" as an inquiry into the science of biology, not limited to what it actually does as a science, or its methods as such, but to scrutinise its scope and limits. A study of this kind will necessarily inquire into the possibilities and potential of this science, and questions its strength and the challenges that it faces, notably from religious quarters seeking to damn it as quixotic in so far as they think that some questions of life are impenetrable to science; and others who think that they can masquerade religion as science.

The thrust of the book lies in its explanation of "Darwinism", especially as to what it means scientifically, and what it has achieved or proven and what its problems are. It seems clear from this book that the problems of Darwinism are problems of science. However, many questions arise which have cross-disciplinary interests. The role and extent of adaptation in the evolution of living things is a fertile field. Why do distinct species evolve with common traits and what cause the development of those traits? How do we evaluate the effect of randomness in evolution?

2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and 150th anniversary of the publication of "The Origin of Species". It may be worthwhile to read the latter again after reading Rosenberg to see just how far we have come since Darwin, and why we owe so much to its author. Darwinism casts such an awesome shadow that underneath it, the flower of Creationism can no longer bloom. Creationism, "intelligent" design and various unscientific intrusions into science have tended to distract scientists and philosophers from their work. Rosenberg and McShea also felt obliged to answer some of the claims of Behe when they could have concentrated on the impartial examination of life, free from the vanity that humans are central to the universe.

This book is not difficult even for people who have no knowledge of biology, philosophy, or Darwinism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A pain in the butt
Man this book is a pain to read. First and foremost before I begin I must tell you the only reason I read the entirety of this book is because I wanted to try to get my ten bucks out of it. When reading it was also reading another book covert persuasion and noticed "Baines" using a lot of mental tricks. For one he used a lot razz persuasive words similar to a used car salesmen, He even uses one in the title, "Secret". I just want to point out that it is not secret, because you put it right on the cover.

He tells you within the first few pages that you should try to learn. He says that seeking knowledge is bad because once you learn you want to learn more. Then he talks about having to submit to a master and ignoring everyone else. Then he tells you have to go all the way or stop reading because it will "burn your soul". Ok, brother if you can't see what he is trying to do then maybe you should read about the peoples temple and how their leader took them to a far off country and committed mass suicide. Furthermore it is extremely sexist toward women.

This book is laughable, and I'm flabbergasted that so many people give it five stars. On the bright side though the one stars are slowly showing this book for what it is, a hypocritical piece of trash.

GEEZ, such negativity!!!!
Look here, read the book for yourself.Regardless of who wrote it, or who lied about who, or who really is.There is something in this book that will definitely make you feel better about yourself.Check it out, I Gaurantee you will appreciate it!

informative
Good book to wake up from the illusions about the world. But does not inform or guide in real awakening.

Don't waste your money on this tripe
I purchased this book, having been a student of Hermetics for many years. What a waste of money! The fact that this book is recommended as a companion to the Kybalion is an insult to the Three Initiates!

From the very start, Mr. Baines has a condescending tone when referring to anyone who doesn't share his viewpoint, especially towards those not initiated into Hermetics. Solipsism is one of the most difficult things for a student to overcome, remembering that not everyone is as attuned as you are, that not everyone sees the truth your way. Baines carries on with this pretentious attitude throughout the entire book.

Other absurdities include his theory of nicotine addiction on page 35, which he says "brings to life a special being formed by the energy of the burning tobacco and the smoker's pleasure. This entity stirs up a constant restlessness in the smoker, which can only be appeased by lighting a cigarette." In other words, you're not addicted as science would have you believe, you're possessed!

One of the most offensive passages comes on page 44 where Mr. Baines, in his infinite wisdom, discusses the sexual deviations of women. Apparently, one of these "deviations" is being a victim of rape, or as Mr. Baines puts it, being "brutally possessed by a man with passionate instincts." Excuse me, Mr. Baines, but where I come from people take responsibility for their actions and a man who "brutally possesses" a woman is called a RAPIST and is treated like the criminal that he is!

About the only time Mr. Baines makes any sense is when he is essentially quoting from the Kybalion, which is the book you should be buying. Don't waste your money on this tripe!

Ah, how deep the deceptive rabbit hole goes....
I found this book to be quite deceptive yet intriguing. Depending on how much you're aware of ancient Sumerian history and Nibiru hypothesis, will you understand my comment and be aware of some serious manipulations within this book. Hence, if you've read some works by Zechariah Stitchin, David Icke, you'll know exactly where this author is coming from. These ancient alien beings like the author would make slaves of man, surely not initiates. These alien beings are the perverted secret societies, the illuminati, etc. that continue to reign over a planet of unconscious humans. Rent the whole Matrix series again, THEN read the book. You'll be calling the author "Mr. Smith". If you're a sufficiently aware human, It'll shock the socks off of you. I made this book homework for my students, as it is a wonderful scale upon which to judge ones' awareness, mind control and vulnerability around cultish mentalities.I challenge you to read this book and question the motives of this author.
Is he a true initiate? Are you sure? Read it twice, and ask yourself what this man wants. Has he created a superiorty cult with anti-semetic undertones and subtle but manipulative and oppressive views of women. Nearly all my students felt he had an ingenius way of expressing his "oxy-warped" views and opinions, that he could truly be a great cult leader. Great but dangerous to his followers. But the true danger my friends is not in the writer (or "leader"). True danger lies in the mental weakness of the follower who gives away his power mental independence to the leader of the manipulator. I use Hitler as example of a soul "allowed" freely to manipulate the masses of weak minded individuals and create disaster.A system that has been done since the creation of humankind. It is my opinion that if this author had such power as Hitler, humankind could possibly be worse off than our present disasterous state. A strong opinion I give to you, but nonetheless worthy of your notice.I gave this book 1 star, as it is a valuable tool in which to judge the readers' personal empowerment, deeper intelligence and ability to be manipulated. Do not be fooled.The "good" intentions behind this "illuminati cheerleader" are hardly good. I CANNOT imagine the likes of Agrippa, Flammel or Blavatsky being found in the same room with this person. A worthy note: The writer supplies just enough truths and "ah-hahs" to the excite the reader, catch their interest and sway them into his manipulative web. Truly the work of an ingenious cult leader. Reminds me of a famous buddhist quote: "Do not believe all that you hear, even if it comes from me, still do not believe it". If you're interested in hermetics, I suggest Franz Bardon. He leaves his personal opinions out, isn't looking to start an "cult for initiates", and offers wonderful exercises that will improve your consciousness and life overall. Be a student of life, but a slave to none. Which is it for you then: "The blue pill, or the red pill". ... Read more

Product Description
Designed for first-time readers of the subject, this stimulating introduction offers a historical exposition of differing views on the philosophy of science. With concise profiles presenting the major philosophers whose contributions are discussed in this book, Losee explores the long-argued questions raised by philosophers and scientists about the proper evaluation of science. This new edition incorporates contemporary developments in the discipline, including recent work on theory-appraisal, experimental practice, the debate over scientific realism, and the philosophy of biology. Taking a balanced and informative approach, this work is the ideal introductory volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Little theory and fewer data
My review is from the position that philosophy defines what is possible to be and know by ontology and phenomenology, while science defines what is demonstrable to be and know by observation and experiment. In this definition, models and data, experiment and observation, induction and deduction, and causality and probability contribute to one another, gradually extending our ability to symbolize.

Losee never defines the terms "science" or "philosophy," saying the boundary between them is "unclear" (3). He says the "philosophy of science is a second-order criteriology," (2), or a bunch of questions.Having nothing but a bunch of questions, he bobbles through two millennia of literature at a loss for any landing.He starts out with a competent crew like Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, but half way through the book, he throws the philosophers overboard in favor of a random selection of contemporary writers on science. For some of these, he provides little biographical sketches in lieu of any theoretical framework for selecting them.Most of the book consists of book reports with no particular point or purpose.

There are lots of references to natural science (physics, chemistry, geology, and biology) and some to analytic science (mathematics), but few to historical science (archaeology) and almost none to action science (sociology, anthropology, and psychology). In fact, there is no treatment of action sciences to speak of, since he dismisses the sociology of knowledge as "implausible." (241)It is difficult to see how this squares with his generous statement that Aristotle is "plausible." (13)He proceeds from an idealistic conviction that scientific data are independent of social facts, being some sort of natural necessities independent of culture.

His chapters have grand titles ("Mathematical Positivism") that give the appearance of a view of history, but many end in no conclusion at all.Where any summary is drawn, it is banal: "the philosopher seeks to develop evaluative principles applicable to diverse instances," for example (276).

Superb HISTORY
This is not an introduction to philosophy of science; it is a history of the evolution of philosophy of science. As such, it serves its purpose very well.

As the title says
this is an introduction to the history of philosophical thinking throughout history, not an indepth treatment of ethics throughout history as one reviewer criticised it for not being (something it never stated it was).

It is thorough without being overwhelming for someone interested in an introduction to philosopphy, and it is interesting not dry and boring or hard to follow as many philosophy books can prove to be.

It is exactly what it says it is and does a good job at it.

over-simplified to the point of uselessness
I was interested in this book because its pretty rare to find historical treatments of problems in anglo-saxon or analytic philosophy beyond as a historical curiosity. First of all this book is over-simplified to the point of uselessness for any meaningful understanding beyond even maybe high-school levels at times.The historical orientation here seems to mean chronological- that you start with Aristotle and come down to Mill or Kuhn both without getting anything beyond magazine level information nor some (relevant and important) sense of historical connectedness, which would require a more extensive treatment of each philosopher at any rate.. So the historical thrust fails for the reason that the level of the book is too low to seriously carry it out, and maybe the author's knowledge on past philosophers is not deep enough - as is common in English language philosophy.I want to believe the first reason is truer, but in any case i think this book's level of treatment will be boringly low for most interested adult (over twenty let's say) readers, and its wiser to try a non-historical introduction to the topic.

A nice little volume
Losse starts with the Pythagoreans, the atomists, and Aristotle.He ends up discussing Popper, Hempel, Kuhn, Feyerband, Lakatos, and a variety of contemporary philosophers.It's densely packed, and for novices tophilosophy or logic it might take some effort, but for those with a littlebackground it is easy and, at least for me, fun. ... Read more

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This volume presentsa definitive introduction to the core areas of philosophy of science. ... Read more

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Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs. Forty previously published classical texts compiled to illustrate the origins, development, and diversity of Western scientific philosophy and its relevance to nursing practice. Divided into eight thematic sections with introductions, discussions, and bibliographies. For nursing students. Softcover. DNLM: Philosophy, Nursing--collected works. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the definitive companion to the study of the philosophy of the social sciences. It provides the student with an accessible, comprehensive and philosophically rigorous introduction to all the major philosophical concepts, issues and debates raised by the social sciences. Ideal for use in undergraduate courses, the structure and content of this textbook-the most thorough, clearly argued and up-to-date available-closely reflect the way the philosophy of the social sciences is studied and taught.

The text examines key conceptual and methodological questions in the social sciences and illustrates how these shape the practice of research, the interpretation of findings and theory formulation in such disciplines as economics, political science and psychology. The book not only offers lucid and incisive coverage of the philosophy of the social sciences, but also extends the major debates and considers the latest directions in this growing area of philosophical interest. Robert C. Bishop's cogent and rigorous analysis is supplemented by useful pedagogical features, including key examples from philosophical writing; summaries of core debates; sample questions and exercises; and guides for further reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

If you want to trail your coat in social science
This is one of those tour guide books that familiarizes the student with lot of names and terms from social science. It covers a vast amount of territory in a way that probably suffices for first degree students in social science. Whether they remember any of the labels after sitting exams is another matter. But, be warned, it's of little use in a philosophy degree course, nor will it equip the student to read the current literature, or even TLS articles on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a book for the ages.In precise and powerful prose it lays out the blueprint for the remaking of the mind and the reenchantment of the world. --Jean Houston, Ph.D., from her introductionIn the early part of the twentieth century, a visionary named Ernest Holmes began a journey of exploration and research that profoundly affected thinkers throughout America. His work, based on the teachings of the great philosophers, the sacred wisdom of both Eastern and Western traditions, and the empirical nature of science, offers a philosophy of religion and psychology emphasizing the limitless potential of the human mind.Now, for the first time, The Science of Mind appears in paperback to coincide with the seventieth anniversary of Ernest Holmes's founding of the Religious Science movement. This book contains the fundamentals of Holmes's teachings and is a primary resource used by teaching centers and spiritual healers worldwide. Its universal principles apply to people of all spiritual backgrounds as they describe a higher level of existence attainable through the use of Nature's forces and the power of God.While imparting an unrivaled technique for living, Dr. Holmes's classic guide speaks clearly to a complex world caught in transition and searching for guidance. Amazon.com Review
The Science of the Mind was originally published in 1926 by the founder of the worldwide Religious Science movement. It was completely revised in 1938 by Ernest Holmes and Maude Allison Latham; this 1997 edition is the 1938 version with an added introduction by Jean Houston and a one-year study program that breaks the weighty tome into digestible bits. Using creative techniques, Holmes guides the student in easy-to-follow steps toward mastering the powers of the mind to find purpose in life. His explanations of how to pray and meditate, heal oneself spiritually, find self confidence, and express love have helped millions change their lives for the better. The Science of Mind is one of those spiritual classics that belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wishes a life for themselves free of compulsion and negativity. --P. Randall Cohan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (94)

The Science of Mind
Ernest Holmes had a wonderful insite to the soul and how the universe functions with God.This is a philosophy and religion of the science of Spirit.

Science of Mind paperback
VERY, VERY MISLEADING.The paperback is heavily edited and much is taken out from the hardcover issue.My beef is that there is no mention that the paperback is any different than the hardcover.I feel very deceived.

HORRIBLE Kindle version
I own and have studied SOM using "The Science of Mind" (the definitive edition) published by Tarcher/Penguin
As soon as I received my Kindle, I went straight on Amazon to download the textbook as I constantly re-read and refer to it and thought how great it would be to have it in my Kindle instead of carrying the bulky book version.

BEWARE: This version contains a different glossary.

Doesn't contain the "Meditations".

I am not even sure it contains all of the "Meditations for self-help" (the ones contained in this version are full of typos and odd symbols, distracting to read while trying to connect to the meaning.

Doesn't contain any of the Metaphysical Charts

This version would be completely useless for SOM classes and I am very frustrated with having purchased an abbreviated version.I have not had the time to compare the paper version to the Kindle version as far as other chapters are concerned.I got too frustrated with not finding one of the Meditations I really needed at the moment.I might contact Amazon for a refund on this purchase, not for the money spent, but out of principle.

I hope that the Kindle version of "This Thing Called You" will be better as that book is amazing as well.

Not the 1938 edition!
From glancing at the index and the intro, I can see this is not the 1938 edition. It is the 1926 edition. It is set up as a series of lessons. This is absent from the 1938 edition. While it is an interesting read, it is far from what we as Religious Scientists call"the textbook."

NOT the 1938 edition
The item description for this book says it is the "1938 edition with a foreword by Jean Houston". It is NOT! It is the original 1926 edition, which is not at all the same book! It is interesting in its own right, but if you're looking for The Science of Mind "textbook", this isn't what you want. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a book for the ages.In precise and powerful prose it lays out the blueprint for the remaking of the mind and the reenchantment of the world. --Jean Houston, Ph.D., from her introductionIn the early part of the twentieth century, a visionary named Ernest Holmes began a journey of exploration and research that profoundly affected thinkers throughout America. His work, based on the teachings of the great philosophers, the sacred wisdom of both Eastern and Western traditions, and the empirical nature of science, offers a philosophy of religion and psychology emphasizing the limitless potential of the human mind.Now, for the first time, The Science of Mind appears in paperback to coincide with the seventieth anniversary of Ernest Holmes's founding of the Religious Science movement. This book contains the fundamentals of Holmes's teachings and is a primary resource used by teaching centers and spiritual healers worldwide. Its universal principles apply to people of all spiritual backgrounds as they describe a higher level of existence attainable through the use of Nature's forces and the power of God.While imparting an unrivaled technique for living, Dr. Holmes's classic guide speaks clearly to a complex world caught in transition and searching for guidance. Amazon.com Review
The Science of the Mind was originally published in 1926 by the founder of the worldwide Religious Science movement. It was completely revised in 1938 by Ernest Holmes and Maude Allison Latham; this 1997 edition is the 1938 version with an added introduction by Jean Houston and a one-year study program that breaks the weighty tome into digestible bits. Using creative techniques, Holmes guides the student in easy-to-follow steps toward mastering the powers of the mind to find purpose in life. His explanations of how to pray and meditate, heal oneself spiritually, find self confidence, and express love have helped millions change their lives for the better. The Science of Mind is one of those spiritual classics that belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wishes a life for themselves free of compulsion and negativity. --P. Randall Cohan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (94)

The Science of Mind
Ernest Holmes had a wonderful insite to the soul and how the universe functions with God.This is a philosophy and religion of the science of Spirit.

Science of Mind paperback
VERY, VERY MISLEADING.The paperback is heavily edited and much is taken out from the hardcover issue.My beef is that there is no mention that the paperback is any different than the hardcover.I feel very deceived.

HORRIBLE Kindle version
I own and have studied SOM using "The Science of Mind" (the definitive edition) published by Tarcher/Penguin
As soon as I received my Kindle, I went straight on Amazon to download the textbook as I constantly re-read and refer to it and thought how great it would be to have it in my Kindle instead of carrying the bulky book version.

BEWARE: This version contains a different glossary.

Doesn't contain the "Meditations".

I am not even sure it contains all of the "Meditations for self-help" (the ones contained in this version are full of typos and odd symbols, distracting to read while trying to connect to the meaning.

Doesn't contain any of the Metaphysical Charts

This version would be completely useless for SOM classes and I am very frustrated with having purchased an abbreviated version.I have not had the time to compare the paper version to the Kindle version as far as other chapters are concerned.I got too frustrated with not finding one of the Meditations I really needed at the moment.I might contact Amazon for a refund on this purchase, not for the money spent, but out of principle.

I hope that the Kindle version of "This Thing Called You" will be better as that book is amazing as well.

Not the 1938 edition!
From glancing at the index and the intro, I can see this is not the 1938 edition. It is the 1926 edition. It is set up as a series of lessons. This is absent from the 1938 edition. While it is an interesting read, it is far from what we as Religious Scientists call"the textbook."

NOT the 1938 edition
The item description for this book says it is the "1938 edition with a foreword by Jean Houston". It is NOT! It is the original 1926 edition, which is not at all the same book! It is interesting in its own right, but if you're looking for The Science of Mind "textbook", this isn't what you want. ... Read more

Product Description

This rigorous volume focuses on the underlying perspectives justifying the major approaches currently being used in educational research. Introductory chapters lay the foundation for exploring varying research perspectives. Nine specific perspectives on research—post positivism, pragmatism, constructivism, ethics and deliberate democracy, criticism, interpretivism, race/ethnicity/gender, arts-based research, and post structuralism—are examined, through discussions written by senior scholars known for their expertise in the perspective. And, a “guided tour”of criticism is given, in which these same scholars demonstrate the use of the “critical method”by critiquing six studies selected as exemplars of different research approaches. For education students who aspire to become researchers, and for those who simply need to read and understand research literature.

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Text to Understand the Philosophical Perspectives for Educational Research
Having had James Paul as an instructor for a doctorate class, I know first-hand how knowledgeable he is about the perspectives and philosophies.He does a nice job summarizing the perspectives to make it easy to understand.Additionally, I appreciate having the collection of experts on the perspectives in one text.I highly recommend this text as a college textbook or as a desk reference on the different philosophies.

Intellectually challenging, yet perfectly clear
Paul's book is excellent for making clear to readers the essential differences between philosophies of research, largely through the second part of the book, in which research questions are developed by alternative methodologies. While the book is structured as a text, it will be of interest to anyone who is a critical consumer of research reports. Not only will I use this with my research students, but I will also use it as a refresher for course design. ... Read more

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Kant was centrally concerned with issues in the philosophy of natural science throughout his career. The Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science presents his most mature reflections on these themes in the context of both his 'critical' philosophy, presented in the Critique of Pure Reason, and the natural science of his time. This volume presents a new translation, by Michael Friedman, which is especially clear and accurate. There are explanatory notes indicating some of the main connections between the argument of the Metaphysical Foundations and the first Critique - as well as parallel connections to Newton's Principia. The volume is completed by an historical and philosophical introduction and a guide to further reading. ... Read more

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We look to ecologists for many things, from accurate descriptions of natural systems to guidance on our proper relationships to them. Yet ecologists often disagree on matters that affect their own field's basic philosophical underpinnings. This international gathering of twenty-three seminal readings both illustrates the range of philosophical approaches available to ecologists and provides a basis for understanding the thinking on which many of today's environmental ideas are founded.

Opening with a general introduction to the challenges of defining scientific ecology, tracing its genealogy, and distinguishing the science from various forms of "ecological-like" thinking, the volume is organized into thematic sections. Issues covered include the ontology of ecological entities and processes; selected concepts of community, stability, diversity, and niche; the methodology of ecology (rationalism and empiricism, reductionism and holism); and the significance of evolutionary law for ecological science.

This is the first introductory anthology on the philosophy of ecology edited by an ecologist and a philosopher. It makes a powerful statement on the value of ecological knowledge and thinking in alleviating the many problems of modern industrial civilization. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Thorough yet accessible--a quality survey of its subject
This book is the only one I found on Philosophy of Ecology in general, and it is quality. The editors include many authors from many time periods to gather the discourse on ecology's biggest questions. I highly recommend it for scientists and others alike, because what we think about the nature of the world influences how we act in and on it. I checked it out from the library but I'm going to buy it as a staple in my referece library--it's that good.

Very important book!
This is one of the best books in the field of ecological sciences. Nowadays, there are few ecologists who use the 'search light' approach (sensu Popper). Theory is considered a secondary issue by the many people of the present generation, who think that a real ecologist should just "go to the field and describe what he sees there" (the 'bucket approach').

However, without a deep knowledge of the ideas, hypotheses, theories and history of Ecology, a researcher is unable to properly test knowledge, do valid generalizations, and thus contribute to the advancement of the field. This book provides an excellent 'Epistemology of Ecology', and together with McInstosh's "Background of Ecology" should be read by every student in the undergrad course, and also by professionals.

Perspectives Emerging
It may come as a surprise to many who first encounter this book that the science of ecology might have anything to contribute to philosophy in general -- this, despite the fact that popular notions of ecology are in the forefront of the search for new directions, be they in the guise ofthe "Deep Ecology" of Arne Naess, or the "Web of Life" advanced by Frijthof Capra. But scientific perspectives unique to ecology are arising, and making connections between ecological outlooks and how nature generally is perceived is the primary goal of this book -- as stated in its subtitle.

No dominant ecological perspective has yet emerged, but Keller and Golley do an excellent job of sampling the various issues. For example, Part One includes five papers that take sides on whether one should emphasize the entities in ecosystems (the Eleatic approach) or concentrate on the processes that are occurring (the Milesian stance.) Part Three presents the debate between the rational and the empirical approaches to ecology; Part Four between reductionism and holism; and the final section gives consideration to what ties (if any) should exist between contemporary evolutionary theory and ecosystems science.

I have used the volume (in early manuscript form) as the primary text for a graduate seminar I taught last year on "Philosophical Issues in Ecology" at the University of Maryland. Most students in the seminar were amazed to discover that philosophical issues have a history within the scientific practice of ecology, and they found the chapters of the book to be well- chosen illustrations of the various attitudes now vying for a permanent place in the evolving philosophy of ecology.

I was quite impressed by how the editors were able to winnow down the component papers to their most essential elements and by how the publisher was able to put this volume on the street at a price that is affordable to the typical graduate student. I foresee a significant potential for this compendium as a textbook and as a catalyst for initiating productive debate on issues that address not only ancient philosophical abstractions, but affect our attitudes towards urgent contemporary problems as well. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a book about the nature of film: about the nature of moving images, about the viewer's relation to film, and about the kinds of narrative that film is capable of presenting. It represents a very decisive break with the semiotic and psychoanalytic theories of film that have dominated discussion over the past twenty years.Professor Currie provides a general theory of pictorial narration and its interpretation in both pictorial and linguistic media, and concludes with an analysis of some ways in which film narrative and literary narrative differ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Articulation of fertile ideas on the philosophy of film
Written in 1995, Currie's Arguments are Concise, Persuasive on the topic of, generally, what is cinema.

Currie's Bibliography includes:
Carroll, Noel
Dennett, Daniel
Eco, Umberto
Lewis, David
Metz, Christian
Walton, Kendall

In college & graduate school, I have found writings on film studies, particularly those which apply psychoanalysis & semiotics, generally stodgy & often impenetrable. Even Mulvey's seminal, infamous essay on "Visual Pleasure" is hard to understand from the standpoint of a rationalist.

Currie's approach is Concise & persuasive; I think he's an analytic philosopher. He counter-argues against "film as a language," which I suppose is metaphorical at best (nevertheless, this language concept is found in many respectable film studies textbooks). His writing is accessible for college level & up; he applies findings in Cognitive Science to his arguments For the fictional film. Noel Carroll, a film studies iconoclast, embraces this book with one caveat: avant-garde films, films that are more purely visual than pictorial, are not tackled sufficiently here.

Here's a quick glimpse at the book, offered by University of Houston's Cognitive Science website.

It is highly possible to shape an advanced undergraduate course on the philosophy of film (mixed in with Philosophy of the Mind) with this book using such films as: Antonioni's "Blow-Up" Linklater's "Before Sunset" Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" Soderbergh's "The Limey" Haneke's "Cache" Bier's "Brothers" Hitchcock's "Spellbound"

Currie's next book "Arts & Minds" was released in January 2005. ... Read more

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Product Description
A radical theory of symbols and interpretation is shown to illuminate painting, music, architecture and literary theory in this book, which includes a commentary on Picasso's "Les Meninas Variations", reproduced in full colour. This book should be of interest to advanced students of epistemology and aesthetics. ... Read more

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A clear, original and systematic introduction to philosophy of science which examines the theories of Popper, Lakatos, Kuhn and Feyerabend before proposing a new, temperate rationalist perspective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
If you've ever been at a University, you've been inundated by hordes of smug post-modernists who seem to think that nothing exists except their paychecks and desire for tenure.If you've ever felt that they are out to lunch, that they argue against flagrant straw men, or that trying to talk with them is like arguing with a spastic colon, this book will refresh you.

Newton-Smith walks a reasonble line between the grotesque extremes of logical positivism and deconstructionism.Along the way, he actually gets science right, an attribute of few if any other philosophers of science.I say this as someone who worked as a professional scientist for 13 years.

The book is somewhat repetitive, as it consists of essays that in many cases contain the same or similar arguments.Yet any one of the essays is worth the price of the book.

Besides, you have to love a philosopher of science named "Newton-Smith."

A great second textbook in Philosophy of Science
This is a book to read once you already know a little about the classics of the field, or have perhaps read an introductory survey. Newton-Smith presents a clear and calm defense of scientific realism, based on the failings of the obvious rivals. It is well-written and lively; the target audience won't be scared by the mild spattering of formal logic. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

A Bit Disappointing
I wanted and expected to like this book, with whose conclusions my prejudices match up closely.However, I was a bit disappointed.
The book covers an extremely wide range.I know a lot about a few of the subjects in the book, a little about many subjects, and nothing about many others.Most readers, unless you cover the same academic territory as Franklin, will probably be similarly situated.If so, you like me will undoubtedly find the book informative.It is also consistently interesting and engagingly written.Not too often, but sometimes, I found it hard to understand what he was saying about subjects of which I am ignorant.Also occasionally, I found the point he was making unclear.
But a more frequent problem arises from the very virtue of the book's concision.The arguments are sometimes too summary.Even when I agree with him, as I usually do when I know enough to have an opinion at all, I am left with the sense that justice has not been done to those who see it differently.Which means, of course, that I cannot regard my own view as having been very much reinforced.To take one significant example, consider his account of what his fellow Australian David Stove calls "the worst argument in the world" (46-47).Franklin explains that the argument maintains that what we regard as our knowledge is based solely on our sources of knowledge (senses, reasoning, etc.), which are themselves limited by evolution, our individual experiences, and, in many accounts, such matters as our race, gender, and class.I agree with Franklin that this argument is pervasive, especially when one watches out for it in when it appears under thin disguises.I also agree with him that it is unsound.But plainly it does not lack some rhetorical force--otherwise it would not be so pervasive--and, in truth, Franklin gives no explanation at all of why he thinks it is wrong.
As mentioned, I learned from this book and found it interesting.If nothing else, it introduced me to some new subjects and it provides references for further reading on anything I wish to pursue.For example, it would be easy enough to read Stove's own account of the worst argument, plus Franklin's published article on the issue, to which he cites.But for all these virtues, it does not come up to the expectations engendered by some very favorable published reviews I have read.

And by assertion and implication, what it doesn't know
Franklin doesn't emphasize (although it's implicit in the Preface) what I think is the most important thing to understand about science, which is, we have nothing better and indeed nothing else nearly so good.What Franklin--who is a mathematician and a philosopher--does say at the end of the book is "We cannot believe that what science knows is all there is."

In mathematics his conclusion would be termed "true, but trivial."Other than this however I am in substantial agreement with Franklin's observations and conclusions--that is, when he comes to a conclusion, which understandably isn't always the case.Okay to some specifics:

Can we know that 2 + 2 indubitably equals 4?It has long been the case that the conclusions of logic and mathematics--deductions--follow with certainty from premises or axioms through correct reasoning.But I've always been a little skeptical when the chain of reasoning gets long.Obviously only a mathematician knows--if he even knows for certain--that a two hundred page proof is correct.How Franklin handles this conundrum is to posit something he calls "the practical certainty of normal sense perception."(p. 156)Two plus two does equal four with "only" practical certainty since it is always possible with a kind of Orwellian brain washing that we could all think that five is the correct answer.

Regardless of our sense perceptions, things are a lot less certain when the question is outside of math and logic.Inductive knowledge--the knowledge of science--as most of us know, and as Franklin affirms, is uncertain.Our knowledge of the "real" world, the empirical world, is probabilistic as, for example, are our weather forecasts.

Franklin identifies some enemies of science including Thomas Kuhn and the gaggle of postmodernists who believe that science is merely a "social construction."Franklin charges that "Postmodernism is not so much a theory as an attitude...an attitude of suspicion...unteachable suspicion." (p. 41)It is characterized by the notion that nothing is really known and if it were known it could not be communicated. (p. 43)

But the postmodernists have a point: nothing is certain in the empirical world: somebody may yet live forever.Who's to say?Theirs is a truly trivial point however and one that science acknowledges.After all science is not about certainty.Science is about extending our knowledge in an ever widening sphere that never pretends to reach some ultimate truth.

In Chapter 12, "Actually Existing Science: Institutions for Knowing," Franklin addresses the peer review journal process and shows how it is dependent upon factors that have nothing to do with science, such as personal rivalries, personality conflicts, lack of funding, lack of incentives for referees to be thorough, etc.Here we can clearly see a process that is more social than scientific.This, along with the long-running evidentiary crisis in string theory, gives comfort to the postmodern critique.

Where I think Franklin is wide of the mark is in his understanding of biological evolution.He writes "If the theory of evolution were suddenly found false, medicine, for example, would be virtually unaffected." (p. 220)Actually if evolution wasn't substantially true the relationship between pathogens, between parasites and hosts as well as the effect of drugs on microbes and people would have to be completely reexamined.

Further on Franklin expresses some doubt as to whether four billion years is sufficient time for "Darwinian evolution to achieve results." (pp. 224-225)Additionally Franklin suggests that DNA is insufficiently complex to account for the complexity of the phenotypes, noting that a large proportion of DNA is "junk" in which "a change in it makes no difference to the organism."But this is not correct since much of what was once called "junk DNA" actually signals whether something should be expressed or not.(p. 225)However Franklin does go on to acknowledge that there is more to the development of an organism than can be found in the DNA, including the folding actions of proteins and the effects of epigenetics.

Franklin seems to think there can be serious doubts about whether the burning of fossil fuels is contributing to the rise in the earth's temperature.I say "seems" because in reading his report on pages 229 to 235 it is hard to say for sure exactly where he stands personally.He does say, "In both evolution and climate change, the majority view of the scientific experts is well ahead.In neither case is there any known coherent alternative.But the complexities of the evidence are such that a higher standard of politeness to skeptics who raise serious problems would be well-advised." (p. 235)

In the final chapter, "Is That All There Is?", Franklin concludes (following Hume) that he is opposed to drawing ethical conclusions from what "is" scientifically.But Franklin goes on to accuse biologist E.O. Wilson of doing just that.Franklin quotes a passage from Wilson's book "Sociobiology" and then sums up Wilson's argument thusly: "We cannot know ethical truths (if there are any) except through the urgings of our back-of-the brain plumbing, therefore, we cannot know ethical truths at all." (p. 246)But what I think Wilson is saying is that knowledge of our biology (the limbic system, etc.) can help us to understand ethics.I see nothing in what Wilson has written that suggests he derives "ought" from "is."

Franklin asserts that "the death of a human is a tragedy but the explosion of a lifeless galaxy is merely a firework." (p. 250)He adds, "If the irreducible worth of persons is a fact, must the universe be substantially different from the picture that science alone gives of it?" (p. 251)

The irreducible worth of persons is not a fact; it is something we believe; and the explosion of a galaxy, lifeless or otherwise, is something more than fireworks while the death of a human being may or may not be a tragedy based on circumstances.Here I think Franklin has taken too narrow a view of the cosmos and confused science and ethics.

A clearly written readable account of scientific knowledge.
This book is most unusual. It deals with important ideas in a clear concise and readable manner.
Franklin's research has obviously been wide and deep. His quotes and and examles are both diverse and entertaining.

I find much to agree with in this book. Those who disagree will at least be clear about what they disagree with.

A fascinating discussion of the sciences
Asking questions is the pursuit of knowledge. "What Science Knows and How It Knows It" discusses science and its pursuit of natural truth through math, biology, and many other scientific disciplines. With a philosophical and historical approach, author James Franklin shows the science behind science, and so much more. "What Science Knows and How It Knows It" is a fascinating discussion of the sciences.

Saving Science
This is a timely book for the future of Science.

The "enemies of Science", the modern irrationalists, Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos and Feyerabend, and the "pathetic French postmodernists", are finally nailed by Franklin in this "merciless exposé" with the generously acknowledged help of David Stove: Against the Idols of the Age: and many others. Now the scientists themselves have become the danger to Science itself. Into a climate where the global warming "debate" has degenerated into biased reporting of data and ad hominem attacks on "deniers", Franklin breathes an air of calm and reason, as always, backed up by his own vast knowledge and detailed research.

Like the universe, Science is big, very, very big! But in the same way that space pervades the universe, a principle pervades Science to make it what it is. It is this principle that Franklin seeks and finds in this book. James Franklin is a professor of mathematics at the University Of New South Wales, profound philosopher and author, among other books, of The Science of Conjecture: The Science of Conjecture: Evidence and Probability before Pascal and Corrupting the Youth: A History of Philosophy in Australia.

In the process of defining the principle of Science he offers a concise and enjoyable introduction to the vast field of Science in his justification of induction.

... Read more