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Representing and Intervening: Introductory Topics in the Philosophy of Natural Science Paperback – 20 October 1983

by Ian Hacking (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 29
Edition: 1st
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This 1983 book is a lively and clearly written introduction to the philosophy of natural science, organized around the central theme of scientific realism. It has two parts. 'Representing' deals with the different philosophical accounts of scientific objectivity and the reality of scientific entities. The views of Kuhn, Feyerabend, Lakatos, Putnam, van Fraassen, and others, are all considered. 'Intervening' presents the first sustained treatment of experimental science for many years and uses it to give a new direction to debates about realism. Hacking illustrates how experimentation often has a life independent of theory. He argues that although the philosophical problems of scientific realism can not be resolved when put in terms of theory alone, a sound philosophy of experiment provides compelling grounds for a realistic attitude. A great many scientific examples are described in both parts of the book, which also includes lucid expositions of recent high energy physics and a remarkable chapter on the microscope in cell biology.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0521282462
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0521282468
  3. Edition
    1st
  4. Publisher
    Cambridge University Press
  5. Publication date
    20 October 1983
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    13.97 x 1.93 x 21.59 cm
  8. Print length
    304 pages
  9. See all details
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Review

'In summary, Hacking's book is an extremely valuable contribution … I urge you all to read it and to use it in your courses on the philosophy of science.' British Journal of the Philosophy of Science

' … its refreshingly provocative style and broad sweep will excite readers much more than the usual woodenly written introductions.' The Times Literary Supplement

Book Description

An introduction to the philosophy of natural science, organized around the central theme of scientific realism, first published in 1983.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (20 October 1983)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0521282462
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0521282468
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.97 x 1.93 x 21.59 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 29

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Ian Hacking

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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
29 global ratings

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Jas
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent postpositivist material
Reviewed in Canada on 16 July 2019
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If you are a post positivist you may very well wish to read Hacking's perspectives on the philosophy of natural science. He draws heavily on Kuhn. I think the book is about 30-40 years old, but remains relevant.
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Frederick
5.0 out of 5 stars I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is interested in philosophy ...
Reviewed in the United States on 20 October 2014
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Ian Hacking writes in a clear way that makes philosophy seem alive. Whereas most philosophy writers put me to sleep, Hacking inspires me to learn more.

I knew that Karl Popper was not the sort of positivist included in most lists of philosophers. In this book Professor Hacking claims that Popper was not a positivist at all according to his list of criteria and he explains why.

Although my reading is informed by master's degrees in both social and physical science, I believe readers without much background in science would be able to understand the arguments in this book, mainly because Professor Hacking gives the background information needed.

Any reader who does have difficulty grasping the points raised about Faraday or Lavoisier can get enough by reading the Wikipedia entries for these scientists. The same would apply to the historians Max Weber and Thomas Kuhn.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is interested in philosophy or science.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great service
Reviewed in Canada on 29 June 2020
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Timely delivery, professional service. All around good.
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RB Jurgens
5.0 out of 5 stars Sceptical realism?
Reviewed in the United States on 22 February 2020
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Hacker questions the simple patterns and armchair shibboleths of the philosophy of science of his time. The orthodox and the unorthodox come in for some serious ribbing. Still relevant.
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LJmedia1
5.0 out of 5 stars A staple for the field.
Reviewed in the United States on 11 January 2013
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This is a foundational book for the social sciences. I highly recommend it to everyone who will be doing any kind of research.
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