Philosophy of Science ― A Unified Approach

This book has one distinctive feature: It combines an elementary introduction to Philosophy of Science with an integrated survey of all important subfields of contemporary Philosophy of Science. This twofold characteristic is reflected in the bipartite structure of all chapters, which start with an introductory sections followed by a comprehensive part entitled ''complementary and advanced topics".

The general philosophical message of the book is reflected in its subtitle "A unified approach". Behind the diversity of scientific fields one can recognize a methodological unity of the sciences. This unity is worked out in this book, together with revealing important differences between subject areas.

Concerning its use in teaching, the book is self-contained and understandable without presuppositions. By restricting the teaching materials to the introductory sections one obtains the basis for a semester-long 2 hour per week course. Covering all of the material contained in the book will fill two such courses. All core material of this book is highlighted in the form of definitions, key propositions, examples and figures. At the end of every chapter the reader finds selected literature and exercises (with solutions at the end). The book concludes with a comprehensive bibliography and several indices.

Gerhard Schurz is Professor and Chair of Theoretical Philosophy at the University of Duesseldorf