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This book presents a clear and critical view of the orthodox logical empiricist tradition, pointing the way to significant developments for the understanding of science both as research and as culture. It summarizes the present confused and highly polarized status of the orthodox philosophy of science. It exhibits clearly the fundamental metaphysical and global presuppositions and confusions that have led to this status. It provides a positive point of view from which progress can be made toward understanding science as research done by real scientists rather than science as exemplifying some prior epistemological program created by philosophers. And it leads directly to an understanding of science as a dynamic force within our society with consequences for the environment and public policy.
"Hooker brings a depth and breadth of vision to the standard issues in his field that far surpass any of his competitors, even the few who have larger reputations. Anyone who reads this book will have his conception of the field permanently changed." — Paul M. Churchland
"Hooker presents a unified and powerful argument for realism, taking into account the major recent critiques of this position. Hooker also develops this view, and its consequences for philosophy of science, epistemology, science policy, and social and political philosophy to a degree that no one else has approached." — Harold I. Brown
Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter 1. Statement
Chapter 2. Systematic Realism
Chapter 3. Philosophy and Meta-Philosophy of Science:Empiricism, Popperianism and Realism
Chapter 4. On Global Theories
Chapter 5. Methodology and Systematic Philosophy
Chapter 6. Surface Dazzle, Ghostly Depths: An Exposition and Critical Evaluation of van Fraassen's Vindication of Empiricism Against Realism
Chapter 7. Understanding and Control: An Essay on the Structural Dynamics of Human Cognition
Chapter 8. Evolutionary Naturalist Realism: Circa 1985
Notes
Bibliography
Index of Names
Subject Index