The Methodology of Scientific Research Programmes: Volume 1: Philosophical Papers

Description

Imre Lakatos' philosophical and scientific papers are published here in two volumes. Volume I brings together his very influential but scattered papers on the philosophy of the physical sciences, and includes one important unpublished essay on the effect of Newton's scientific achievement. Volume II presents his work on the philosophy of mathematics (much of it unpublished), together with some critical essays on contemporary philosophers of science and some famous polemical writings on political and educational issues. Imre Lakatos had an influence out of all proportion to the length of his philosophical career. This collection exhibits and confirms the originality, range and the essential unity of his work. It demonstrates too the force and spirit he brought to every issue with which he engaged, from his most abstract mathematical work to his passionate 'Letter to the director of the LSE'. Lakatos' ideas are now the focus of widespread and increasing interest, and these volumes should make possible for the first time their study as a whole and their proper assessment.

' ... there is an essential unity of theme and purpose running through all the papers collected in these volumes. Many of the papers, even though they have been previously published, are not fully self-contained and can be understood only by reference to others. Their collection and the editors' cross-referencing thus serves the useful purpose of facilitating an assessment of Lakatos' contribution to philosophy.' Philosophical Books ' ... a well-produced book that every philosopher of science or mathematics will wish to have.' Philosophy