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Explores the practical applicability of the philosophy of science to scientific research, but also considers its relevance to practice within the realms of technology, design, crafts, and even within the world of arts and the humanities. The attempt to engage working scientists with the issues raised by the philosophy of science may profitably be extended to examine its applicability to any other fields of knowledge that encompass a problem-solving dimension. Drawing on his experience as a research and development scientist in the biomedical device industry, the author shows how the principles of the philosophy of science illuminate the research process. The book is structured on the concept of the inspirational text; it consists of short chapters, each of which provides an accessible discussion of an aspect of the philosophy of science. Each chapter concludes with a list of practical pointers towards the development of attitudes and skills which will benefit the student researcher.
List of contents
Preface.- Acknowledgements.- 1 Introduction - a personal perspective.- 2 It's about attitude - and experiments.- 3 What's the problem?.- 4 Oh no! Something doesn't fit!.- 5 The solutions to problems.- 6 Observe - what?.- 7 Seeing is not necessarily believing.- 8 Testing hypotheses.- 9 More on induction and , justification and Truth.- 10 Models - useful but not true?.- 11 Just be ...... cause.- 12 A Question of Trust.- 13 Science, Non-science and Pseudoscience.- 14 Scientific thinking - being rational?.- 15 Some concluding thoughts.- Index.
Summary
Explores the practical applicability of the philosophy of science to scientific research, but also considers its relevance to practice within the realms of technology, design, crafts, and even within the world of arts and the humanities. The attempt to engage working scientists with the issues raised by the philosophy of science may profitably be extended to examine its applicability to any other fields of knowledge that encompass a problem-solving dimension. Drawing on his experience as a research and development scientist in the biomedical device industry, the author shows how the principles of the philosophy of science illuminate the research process. The book is structured on the concept of the inspirational text; it consists of short chapters, each of which provides an accessible discussion of an aspect of the philosophy of science. Each chapter concludes with a list of practical pointers towards the development of attitudes and skills which will benefit the student researcher.
