Learning objectives

The philosophy of science, excepting Francis Bacon, is a relatively modern branch of philosophical inquiry, having been subsumed within theory of knowledge in general, that deals with issues spe­cific to modern science (Harré, 1967). The scientific method, as discussed in Chapter 3, is rooted in natural philosophy and the development of a means of rational inquiry. It involves issues of epis­temology (theory of knowledge) and ontology (the nature of existence). Philosophers of science have been concerned with the nature of reality and how best to inquire into it, including identifying what are considered fruitless avenues of exploration (such as metaphysical questions regarding reality and truth). As we delve into the issues we will consider the following:

  • Empiricist philosophy as a basis of subsequent practice and debate.
  • The problem of induction.
  • Positivism and scientific inquiry.
  • Logical positivism.
  • Popper and falsification.
  • Kuhn and Feyerabend—paradigmatic relativism and anarchy.
  • Lakatos—research programs.