Duhem and Holism

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Duhem and Holism
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Milena Ivanova
SeriesElements in the Philosophy of Science
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:75
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenrePhilosophy
Philosophy of science
History of science
ISBN/Barcode 9781009001335
ClassificationsDewey:530.092
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 29 July 2021
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The holistic thesis developed by Pierre Duhem challenges the idea that our evidence can conclusively falsify a theory. Given that no scientific theory is tested in isolation, a negative experiment can always be attributed to components other than the theory we test - to the auxiliary hypotheses and background assumptions. How do scientists decide whether the experimental result undermines the theory or points at an error in the underlying assumptions? Duhem argues that we cannot offer a rule that directs when the scientist should employ a radical or conservative strategy in light of a negative result, and ultimately they will appeal to their intuition. More recently philosophers have offered a number of strategies of how to locate error and justify the abandonment of a theory or an auxiliary hypothesis. This Element analyses Duhem's response to holism and subsequent accounts of how the problem can be resolved.

Reviews

'Duhem and Holism is admirably clear and engaging in its discussion of both Duhem's philosophical views and some of the many responses that they have engendered over the last century.' Corey Dethier, Metascience