This volume offers a guided tour of modern mathematics' Garden of Eden, beginning with perspectives on the finite universe and classes and Aristotelian logic. Author Mary Tiles further examines permutations, combinations, and infinite cardinalities; numbering the continuum; Cantor's transfinite paradise; axiomatic set theory, and more. 1989 edition. 32 figures.
The results, conclusions and claims of science are often taken to be reliable because they arise from the use of a distinctive method. Yet today, there is widespread skepticism as to whether we can validly talk of method in modern science. This outstanding survey explains how this controversy has developed since the 17th century, and explores its philosophical basis.
There are a few odd omissions, like Descartes (who is nonethless mentioned in passing). But the net result is that, instead of being presented with the historical panorama, one is confronted with a series of ideas - and how they fit into the overall understanding of contemporaries.
Part II: Jews and Natural Philosophy shows how Jews explained nature, especially the nature of the heavens, or astronomy and astrology, in medieval times and early modern times. BLPart III: Jews and Science -- describes the entry of Jews into modern science, beginning in 19th century Europe and 20th century United States, USSR and Israel, emphasizing the social background of the rapid entry of Jews into modern sciences, and of their remarkable successes. BLThe volume includes annotated primary source documents, a timeline of important events, and an bibliography of essential primary and secondary sources for further research..
Average customer rating:
- fantastic introduction
- Epistemology and critical rationalism
- Excellent introduction to the theory of knowledge
- Compact and Comprehensible
|
Common Sense, Science and Scepticism: A Historical Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
Alan Musgrave
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Epistemology
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History & Philosophy
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Nonfiction
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Science
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0521436257 |
Book Description
Can we know anything for certain? There are those who think we can (traditionally labeled the "dogmatists") and those who think we cannot (traditionally labeled the "skeptics"). The theory of knowledge, or epistemology, is the great debate between the two. This book is an introductory and historically-based survey of the debate. It sides for the most part with the skeptics. It also develops out of skepticism a third view, fallibilism or critical rationalism, which incorporates an uncompromising realism about perception, science, and the nature of truth.
Customer Reviews:
fantastic introduction.......2004-04-15
Musgraves introduction to epistemology is great! the problems discussed are very well set out. Musgrave writes clearly and is easy to read.
Plus, hes autographed my book!
Epistemology and critical rationalism.......2003-04-19
Alan Musgrave is a good writer and the book is both interesting for the expirienced and those new to philosophy. It should be noted though that the book is written by a follower of Karl Popper's critical rationalism and that it beacause of that sometimes differ in its conclusions from mainstream analytic philosophy, mostly in the last chapter. So it's a quite god introduction to epistemology and its history but also a brilliant introduction to critical rationalist epistemology.
Excellent introduction to the theory of knowledge.......2001-01-23
This is the best introduction to epistemology that I have read. Musgrave writes with clarity and grace, taking the reader to the heart the theory of knowledge. Unlike most introductory texts or short histories, which merely summarize the conclusions of great philosophers, "Common Sense, Science, and Scepticism" focuses on the arguments of the philosophers. Thus, the book is an excellent introduction to what it means to "do" philosophy. The text is rewarding, and anyone interested in philosophy can read it with profit.
Compact and Comprehensible.......1999-11-03
An excellent introduction for those coming to epistemology for the first time. The author avoids potentially confusing formulations of the issues and generally presents the various positions well.
Book Description
Ideas of Human Nature, now revised and updated in this second edition, presents twelve of the most influential Western thinkers on the topic of human nature. Roger Trigg examines the thinkers in their historical context and discusses their relevance to contemporary controversies.The issues covered include perennial philosophical problems: the connection between mind and body; life after death; the role of reason; free-will and determinism; the relationship between the individual and society; and the problem of relativism.Including new chapters on Locke and Kant, this book is an accessible and key text for anyone interested in the theories that have altered the course of human history, and continue to impact on our lives today.
Book Description
Designed for those coming to the subject for the first time, this stimulating introduction offers a historical exposition of differing views on the philosophy of science. With concise profiles introducing the major philosophers whose contributions are discussed, 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, with a focus on the historical development of the subject, John Losee presents a full and up to date account that is ideal for the introductory reader. NEW TO THIS EDITION: coverage of recent developments in Philosophy of Science, including philosophy of biology, normative naturalism, theory appraisal, experimental practice, theories of explanation, and scientific realism
Customer Reviews:
Superb HISTORY.......2005-12-02
This is NOT a basic introduction to philosophy of science; it is a basic history of the evolution of philosophy of science. As such, it serves its purpose very well.
As the title says.......2003-11-11
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.......2002-04-04
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.......1998-12-30
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 to philosophy or logic it might take some effort, but for those with a little background it is easy and, at least for me, fun.
Book Description
Is there a universal set of rules for discovering and testing scientific hypotheses? Since the birth of modern science, philosophers, scientists, and other thinkers have wrestled with this fundamental question of scientific practice. Efforts to devise rigorous methods for obtaining scientific knowledge include the twenty-one rules Descartes proposed in his Rules for the Direction of the Mind and the four rules of reasoning that begin the third book of Newton's Principia, and continue today in debates over the very possibility of such rules. Bringing together key primary sources spanning almost four centuries, Science Rules introduces readers to scientific methods that have played a prominent role in the history of scientific practice.
Editor Peter Achinstein includes works by scientists and philosophers of science to offer a new perspective on the nature of scientific reasoning. For each of the methods discussed, he presents the original formulation of the method; selections written by a proponent of the method together with an application to a particular scientific example; and a critical analysis of the method that draws on historical and contemporary sources.
The methods included in this volume are Cartesian rationalism with an application to Descartes' laws of motion; Newton's inductivism and the law of gravity; two versions of hypothetico-deductivism -- those of William Whewell and Karl Popper -- and the nineteenth-century wave theory of light; Paul Feyerabend's principle of proliferation and Thomas Kuhn's views on scientific values, both of which deny that there are universal rules of method, with an application to Galileo's tower argument. Included also is a famous nineteenth-century debate about scientific reasoning between the hypothetico-deductivist William Whewell and the inductivist John Stuart Mill; and an account of the realism-antirealism dispute about unobservables in science, with a consideration of Perrin's argument for the existence of molecules in the early twentieth century.
Average customer rating:
|
De Motu and The Analyst: A Modern Edition, with Introductions and Commentary (The New Synthese Historical Library)
George Berkeley
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Web Development
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
| Content Management
| E-commerce
| Programming
| Security & Encryption
| Web 2.0
| Web Design
| Web Servers
| Web Services
| Website Analytics
| Website Architecture & Usability
Graphic Design
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
| 3D Graphics
| Adobe FrameMaker
| Adobe Illustrator
| Adobe InDesign
| Adobe PageMaker
| CAD
| Desktop Publishing
| Electronic Documents
| General
| Information Visualization
| Interface Design
| Printing
| Reference
| Rendering & Ray Tracing
| Scanning
| Typography
| Web Design
General
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History & Philosophy
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Mathematics
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Physics
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Physics
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Computers & Internet
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Science
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0792315200 |
Customer Reviews:
Very worthwhile........2000-11-11
This is an expensive item, and it obviously is not for everyone. That said, it is a valuable work and should be considered an adjunct to Fraser's "Works of George Berkeley." In Jesseph's book, he presents two of Berkeley's essays - "De Motu", and "The Analyst", to which he provides extensive introductions and references. Both essays (and Jesseph's supporting material) will be reviewed in turn.
"De Motu" (On Motion) was originally written in Latin. Jesseph's first service is that he provides an English translation along with the Latin version. In this essay, Berkeley described and critiqued then-contemporary theories on the nature of motion. Jesseph does the reader a great service by introducing 17th century physics to the reader, explaining terms, and tracking down Berkeley's references.
What makes "De Motu" something other than a period piece is Berkeley's methodology. In "A Treatise Concerning the Principals of Human Knowledge", Berkeley laid out an argument against terms denoting entities which could not be experienced or imagined. An example of such a thing was Newton's absolute space. In "De Motu", Berkeley wrote:
"And so let us imagine that all bodies have been destroyed and reduced to nothing. What remains they call absolute space, all relation which arose from the position and distances of bodies having been removed along with the bodies themselves. Now this space is infinite, immobile, indivisible, insensible, without relation and without distinction. That is, all of its attributes are privative and negative: it seems therefore to be merely nothing. ... Therefore let us take from absolute space just the words, and nothing will remain in the sense, imagination, or intellect; therefore they designate nothing, except pure privation or negation, that is, merely nothing."
While Berkeley granted that such terms could be useful in calculation, he argued that they led only to meaningless wrangling when imagined as real. He held up a difference between Newton and Torricelli on force as an example:
"Newton says that impressed force consists solely in action, and it is the action exerted on a body to change its state, nor does it remain after the action. Torricelli contends that a certain accumulation or aggregate of impressed forces is received by percussion in a mobile body, and that the same remains and constitutes impetus. ... And in truth, though Newton and Torricelli seem to disagree, nevertheless, each advances a consistent account, and the matter is adequately explained by both. For all forces attributed to bodies are ... mathematical hypotheses. Mathematical entities, however, have no stable essence in the nature of things: they depend on the notion of the definer: whence the same thing can be explained in different ways."
In sum, "De Motu" is valuable both as a general critique of science and as a fascinating application of Berkeley's epistimological ideas and is well worth reading on that basis.
The other Berkeley essay Jesseph covers is "The Analyst". This essay attacked the soundness of the mathematical foundations of Newton's calculus. Because Newton's notation, method, and terminology are no longer in use, the essay is difficult for the modern reader to follow. Jesseph's introduction to "The Analyst" is a fine piece of scholarship and immensely helpful, even necessary, to full understanding of Berkeley's essay.
"The Analyst" was motivated by apologetic purposes. Berkeley was annoyed at the contrast set up by "free thinkers" between religious belief and math and the sciences, and he sought to demonstrate that mathematics has its mysteries as much as religion. His target was Newton's calculus: in particular, fluxions. Fluxions were infinitesimal quantities, which Berkeley attacked as being literally inconceivable, following his general principals of meaning, and further that Newton did not handle them consistently - sometimes rounding them to zero, and other times not, with the only criterion being whichever was necessary to make the answers come out right.
"The Analyst" set off a firestorm among mathemeticians. Berkeley's acid style led to angry responses, but the mathematical problems Berkeley had attacked were real, and the defenders of Newton offered very different (and incompatible) approaches to resolving the problems Berkeley had raised, and they soon began attacking each other. It was only in the nineteeth century that the problems surrounding the foundations of Calculus were finally settled.
Certainly, "The Analyst" is of interest as a part of the history of mathematics, but it is also of interest as an application of Berkeley's general approach. The paragraph below on infinitesmals, for example, clearly follows the same approach as that on absolute space quoted previously:
"Now to conceive a Quantity infinitely small, that is, infinitely less than any sensible or imaginable Quantity, or than the least finite Magnitude, is, I confess, above my Capacity. But to conceive a Part of such infinitely small Quantity, that shall be infinitely less than it, and consequently though multiply'd infinitely shall never equal the minutest finite Quantity, is, I suspect, an infinite Difficulty to any man whatsoever...Nothing is easier to devise Expressions or Notations, for Fluxions and Infinitesimals of the first, second, third, fourth and subsequent Orders, proceeding in the same regular form without end or limit ... dx, ddx, dddx, ddddx, &c. These Expressions indeed are clear and distinct, and the Mind finds no difficulty in conceiving them to be continued beyond any assignable Bounds. But if we remove the Veil and look underneath, if laying aside the Expressions we set ourselves attentively to consider the things themselves, which are supposed to be expressed or marked thereby, we shall discover much Emptiness, Darkness, and Confusion..."
The last thing worth noting about "The Analyst" is that Berkeley wrote two follow-on essays in response to Newton's defenders, both of which are available in Fraser's "Works".
Book Description
This volume offers an accessible and wide-ranging introduction to the history of international political thought.Taking as its starting-point the various concepts people have used to think about differences between political communities, the book explores changing perceptions of international politics from antiquity to the twentieth century. As well as discussing well-known themes such as relations between independent sovereign states and the tension between raison d'état and a universal code of natural law, it also examines less familiar ideas which have influenced the development of international political thought such as the distinction between civilization, national culture and barbarism, religious attitudes towards infidels, and theories about racial difference and imperialism. Among the key thinkers covered are Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Kant, Marx and Morgenthau, alongside less commonly studied figures such as Herodotus, Pope Innocent IV, Herder, Constant and Zimmern. Each chapter concludes with a guide to further reading which will help students to develop a more detailed understanding of the subject.Written with the beginner student in mind, this lively textbook is an ideal introduction for anyone studying international political thought.
Books:
- The Pterosaurs: From Deep Time
- The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Energy Independence, Off-grid And Sustainable Living
- The Simple Guide to Fresh Water Aquariums (Simple Guide to...)
- The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
- The Time Traveler's Wife
- The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
- The Transformation of American Law, 1870-1960: The Crisis of Legal Orthodoxy (Oxford Paperbacks)
- The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, the Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next
- The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- Three-Dimensional Geometry and Topology
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Colors of Courage: Gettysburg's Forgotten History: Immigrants, Women, And African Americans in t
- The Anti-Depressant Fact Book: What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa,
- Ravishing of Lol Stein
- Nature Aquarium World: Book 3
- No Need for Tenchi!, Vol. 10: Mother Planet
- Microbiology: Principles and Explorations
- Pharmaceutical Reason: Knowledge and Value in Global Psychiatry
- Cascade-Olympic Natural History: A Trailside Reference
- Merchant Adventurer: The Story of W.R. Grace
- A Maryland Boy in Lee's Army: Personal Reminiscences of a Maryland Soldier in the War between the St
Set Theory and Its Philosophy: A Critical Introduction
Contributions to the Founding of the Theory of Transfinite Numbers
Godel's Theorem: An Incomplete Guide to Its Use and Abuse
Incompleteness: The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Godel (Great Discoveries)
A Profile of Mathematical Logic (Dover Books on Mathematics)
good- but not true to title.......2006-08-22
