Against MethodModern philosophy of science has paid great attention to the understanding of scientific 'practice', in contrast to concentration on scientific 'method'. Paul Feyerabend's acclaimed work, which has contributed greatly to this new emphasis, shows the deficiencies of some widespread ideas about the nature of knowledge. He argues that the only feasible explanations of scientific successes are historical explanations, and that anarchism must now replace rationalism in the theory of knowledge. The third edition of this classic text contains a new preface and additional reflections at various points in which the author takes account both of recent debates on science and on the impact of scientific products and practices on the human community. While disavowing populism or relativism, Feyerabend continues to insist that the voice of the inexpert must be heard. Thus many environmental perils were first identified by non-experts against prevailing assumptions in the scientific community. Feyerabend's challenging reassessment of scientific claims and understandings are as pungent and timely as ever. |
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abstract alternatives anarchism appearance archaic argument Aristotelian Aristotle assumption astronomy attitude become Brownian motion Chapter complex concepts connected contains contradiction Copernican Copernicus cosmology counterinduction critical culture described detailed discovery discussion domain earth Einstein elements empirical empiricism equant examination example exist experience explained facts Galileo Galileo Galilei human hypotheses ibid ideas ideology Iliad important Imre Lakatos incommensurability intellectual Kepler knowledge Lakatos laws logic Maestlin mathematics matter means method methodology moon motion moves naive realism natural interpretations objects observation language optics Parmenides participants perception phenomena Philosophy of Science physical planets Popper practice principles problem procedure Ptolemy quantum mechanics quantum theory question rational rationalists realistic reality reason refuted relation relativity rules scientific scientists sense situation standards statements telescope text to footnote theoretical theory of relativity things traditions world-view York
Bibliographic information
| Title | Against Method |
| Authors | Paul Feyerabend, PAUL K AUTOR FEYERABEND |
| Edition | illustrated, reprint |
| Publisher | Verso, 1993 |
| ISBN | 0860916464, 9780860916468 |
| Length | 279 pages |
| Subjects | › Philosophy / Epistemology |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |