Duhem and Holism
Paperback / softback
Main Details
Title |
Duhem and Holism
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Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Milena Ivanova
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Series | Elements in the Philosophy of Science |
Physical Properties |
Format:Paperback / softback | Pages:75 | Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152 |
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Category/Genre | Philosophy Philosophy of science History of science |
ISBN/Barcode |
9781009001335
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Classifications | Dewey:530.092 |
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Audience | Professional & Vocational | |
Illustrations |
Worked examples or Exercises
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Publishing Details |
Publisher |
Cambridge University Press
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Imprint |
Cambridge University Press
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Publication Date |
29 July 2021 |
Publication Country |
United Kingdom
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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
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