Subject
Science -- Philosophy Books
Best books
Henri Poincaré
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method
"The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science" by Henri Poincaré is a philosophical work published in 1904. This French mathematician and physicist explores fundamental questions about how science works, examining the interplay between intuition and logic in mathematics, and the deep connections between mathematical theory and physical reality. Poincaré investigates how scientists choose theories, why mathematical language proves essential for physics, and confronts emerging crises challenging established principles like energy conservation and Newton's laws at the dawn of the twentieth century.
Charles S. (Charles Sanders) Peirce
Chance, Love, and Logic: Philosophical Essays
"Chance, Love, and Logic: Philosophical Essays" by Charles S. Peirce is a collection of philosophical essays written in the early 20th century. This work encompasses Peirce's thoughts on logic, science, and the intersection of chance and human experience, presenting a comprehensive view of his philosophical contributions that laid the groundwork for pragmatism. The essays delve into the nature of inquiry, belief, and the foundations of knowledge, highlighting the interconnectedness of chance and the role of love in understanding reality. The opening of this collection outlines Peirce's philosophical approach, emphasizing the importance of clear reasoning and the processes by which beliefs are formed and fixed. He critiques traditional methods of inquiry, such as reliance on authority or simple tenacity, advocating instead for a scientific approach that allows for the reconstruction of beliefs based on evidence and logical reasoning. Throughout this introduction, Peirce establishes the framework for examining how beliefs are maintained within a community, the role of inquiry in human cognition, and the necessity of a methodical approach to philosophy that embraces both uncertainty and the evolution of thought.
Alfred North Whitehead
The Concept of Nature The Tarner Lectures Delivered in Trinity College, November 1919
"The Concept of Nature" by Alfred North Whitehead is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. This work embodies a series of lectures that explore the philosophy of the sciences and the interrelations between various branches of knowledge, particularly focusing on the natural sciences. Whitehead aims to redefine and clarify the nature of scientific inquiry, challenging prevailing notions of matter and substance that have dominated scientific discourse. The opening of the work outlines the intentions behind the Tarner lectures at Trinity College, establishing a framework for discussing the philosophy of the sciences. Whitehead emphasizes the importance of understanding nature as both a complex of entities and a process that unfolds through time, advocating for a view that avoids dualistic interpretations of reality. He introduces key concepts such as sense-perception, thought, and the distinctions between homogeneous and heterogeneous thinking. Through these foundational ideas, he begins to navigate the challenging terrain of natural philosophy, seeking to unite various scientific perspectives under a cohesive understanding of nature itself.
William Whewell
On the Philosophy of Discovery, Chapters Historical and Critical
"On the Philosophy of Discovery, Chapters Historical and Critical" by William Whewell is a philosophical text written in the mid-19th century. This work explores the development of knowledge and the principles governing scientific discovery, providing an analysis of historical perspectives on how humanity has achieved its most reliable forms of knowledge. The author aims to outline both the historical journey of scientific thought and offer critical reflections on the nature of discovery itself. The beginning of the text introduces Whewell’s exploration of the foundations of scientific knowledge, discussing previous works on the inductive sciences and laying out his objective to elucidate the philosophy of discovery rather than merely focusing on traditional inductive reasoning. He emphasizes the significance of historical opinions and ideas from philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, detailing their contributions and shortcomings regarding the methods of acquiring knowledge. Whewell sets the stage for a critical examination by asserting that understanding the historical progression of scientific thought is crucial for grasping contemporary philosophy and the practice of science itself.
John F. W. (John Frederick William) Herschel
Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy
"Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy" by Sir John F. W. Herschel is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. The book serves as an introduction to the principles and methods of studying natural philosophy, encompassing the relationship between observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanations in the physical sciences. Herschel aims to explore the nature of scientific inquiry and the significance it holds in understanding the universe. At the start of the discourse, Herschel discusses the unique position of humans within the natural order, emphasizing their capability for reasoning and speculation compared to other creatures that rely solely on instinct. He argues that the pursuit of knowledge and the study of natural philosophy elevate humanity, allowing individuals to seek understanding of the universe more profoundly. The opening also introduces the idea that the study of natural philosophy should not be seen as undermining religion but rather as complementing it by fostering an unbounded curiosity and deeper appreciation for the workings of nature, thereby positioning science as a noble and valuable pursuit.
Harvey Wickham
The misbehaviorists : $b Pseudo-science and the modern temper
No description available.
Alfred North Whitehead
An enquiry concerning the principles of natural knowledge
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Thomas Henry Huxley
Lay Sermons, Addresses and Reviews
"Lay Sermons, Addresses and Reviews" by Thomas Henry Huxley is a collection of essays and speeches written in the late 19th century. The work presents a broad exploration of scientific education, natural knowledge, and social issues, reflecting Huxley's commitment to rational thought and progress. Through these writings, Huxley advocates for an improved understanding of science as a vital tool for societal advancement, emphasizing the importance of education in both natural sciences and moral values. The opening of this collection features a prefatory letter addressed to a friend, where Huxley expresses his intentions regarding the compilation of his essays and the challenges faced in defending some of his earlier works. He outlines the importance of natural knowledge in preventing societal disasters, using historical examples such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London as catalysts for discussion. Huxley argues that the turbulences faced by society are often within human control through the application of scientific understanding, urging a shift in perception regarding the origins of such calamities and the necessity of embracing rational thought for the progress of society.
William Whewell
Novum organon renovatum Being the second part of the philosophy of the inductive sciences
"Novum Organon Renovatum" by William Whewell is a scientific publication written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a sequel to Bacon's "Novum Organon," aiming to refine and update the methods of scientific discovery based on the significant advances in knowledge since Bacon's time. The book addresses the principles and methodologies that underlie the inductive sciences, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach to accumulate and formulate scientific truths. The opening portion of the text introduces Whewell's purpose in restructuring Bacon's methods to better fit the current state of scientific understanding. He argues that although Bacon's contributions were groundbreaking, a contemporary revision is necessary to account for the real advancements in scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Whewell outlines the foundations of his approach, focusing on the explication of ideas and colligation of facts as essential processes for constructing scientific knowledge. This section highlights the philosophical implications of these methods and sets the stage for his exploration of various scientific concepts in the subsequent chapters.
T. W. (Thomas William) Rolleston
Parallel Paths: A Study in Biology, Ethics, and Art
"Parallel Paths: A Study in Biology, Ethics, and Art" by T. W. Rolleston is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work examines the interconnectedness of biology, ethics, and art, addressing profound questions about the nature of life and human existence in the wake of evolving scientific thought. Through a blend of philosophical inquiry and biological study, Rolleston aims to explore the complexities of evolution and its implications for our understanding of morality and artistic expression. The opening of the book sets the stage for this exploration by referencing a prominent passage from Dr. J. Reinke that highlights the inadequacies of purely mechanical interpretations of life. Rolleston introduces the concept of an elusive factor, referred to as "X", which he believes underpins the processes of life, development, and moral reasoning. He critiques previous theological arguments, particularly William Paley's analogy of the watchmaker, suggesting that viewing the universe simply as a mechanistic design fails to capture the dynamic and evolving nature of both biological systems and human consciousness. By framing his work as a synthesis of disciplines, Rolleston invites readers to engage with the vital questions surrounding the unity of existence and the significance of human experience within the larger context of the natural world.
Arthur Stanley Eddington
The nature of the physical world
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Hans Driesch
The Science and Philosophy of the Organism
"The Science and Philosophy of the Organism" by Hans Driesch is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work encompasses a systematic exploration of biological topics relevant to the philosophy of nature, positioning Driesch as a vital contributor to the discourse on organismal biology. The author aims to establish a definitive framework regarding vitalism, the characteristics of biological systems, and the developmental processes of organisms, particularly focusing on how these elements relate to broader philosophical inquiries. The beginning of the book introduces Driesch's motivations and context for delivering the Gifford Lectures at the University of Aberdeen. He outlines his intent to engage with biological phenomena in a way that transcends mere empirical observation, leading into a philosophy that examines natural processes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactive dynamics between scientific discoveries and their philosophical implications, particularly in relation to development and the essence of life itself. The opening portion sets the stage for a thorough investigation into both empirical and theoretical aspects of biology, using specific case studies from embryology, notably that of sea-urchins, providing a rich foundation for future discussions on the organism's nature.
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