Oxford University Press (1993)
Authors |
|
Abstract |
During the last three decades, reflections on the growth of scientific knowledge have inspired historians, sociologists, and some philosophers to contend that scientific objectivity is a myth. In this book, Kitcher attempts to resurrect the notions of objectivity and progress in science by identifying both the limitations of idealized treatments of growth of knowledge and the overreactions to philosophical idealizations. Recognizing that science is done not by logically omniscient subjects working in isolation, but by people with a variety of personal and social interests, who cooperate and compete with one another, he argues that, nonetheless, we may conceive the growth of science as a process in which both our vision of nature and our ways of learning more about nature improve. Offering a detailed picture of the advancement of science, he sets a new agenda for the philosophy of science and for other "science studies" disciplines.
|
Keywords | Science Philosophy Science History |
Categories | (categorize this paper) |
Reprint years | 1995 |
Buy this book | Amazon page |
Call number | Q175.K533 1993 |
ISBN(s) | 0195096533 9780195096538 0195046285 (acid-free paper) 0195046285 |
DOI | 10.2307/2186026 |
Options |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Download options

Legend's Legacy
Begins with an outline of the major characteristics of the dominant conception of science offered by logical empiricism. Then explains how this view was criticized.
Realism and Scientific Progress
The account of progress is defended against a number of objections. Some of these are offered by philosophers who are sceptical of realism in the philosophy of science; others are urged by historians and sociologists of science.
The Organization of Cognitive Labor
Ends with an attempt to construct a formal model of knowledge for scientists working together in a community of inquiry. It is shown how the questions of social epistemology can be conceived in terms of optimal strategies for the attainment of the goals of science, and how particular socia... see more
References found in this work BETA
No references found.
Citations of this work BETA
Epistemology of Disagreement: The Good News.David Christensen - 2007 - Philosophical Review 116 (2):187-217.
Person as Scientist, Person as Moralist.Joshua Knobe - 2010 - Behavioral and Brain Sciences 33 (4):315.
Cognitive Islands and Runaway Echo Chambers: Problems for Epistemic Dependence on Experts.C. Thi Nguyen - 2020 - Synthese 197 (7):2803-2821.
Structural Realism.James Ladyman - 2014 - In Edward N. Zalta (ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University.
View all 506 citations / Add more citations
Similar books and articles
Review of Kitcher: "The Advancement of Science: Science Without Legend, Objectivity Without Illusions". [REVIEW]John Dupré - 1995 - Philosophical Review 104 (1):147-151.
Value-Free Science? Ideals and Illusions.Harold Kincaid, John Dupré & Alison Wylie (eds.) - 2007 - Oxford University Press.
The Advancement of Science, and its Burdens: With a New Introduction.Gerald James Holton - 1986 - Harvard University Press.
The Advancement of Science: Science Without Legend, Objectivity Without Illusions.José Antonio Díez Calzada - 1994 - Theoria 9 (1):212-216.
Analytics
Added to PP index
2009-01-28
Total views
266 ( #32,568 of 2,421,247 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
15 ( #47,576 of 2,421,247 )
2009-01-28
Total views
266 ( #32,568 of 2,421,247 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
15 ( #47,576 of 2,421,247 )
How can I increase my downloads?
Downloads