Book review: Evidence and Method: Scientific Strategies of Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell / Peter Achinstein. - Oxford University Press, New York, 2013
Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift › Anmeldelse › Forskning
In his book Evidence and Method: Scientific Strategies of Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell
the renowned philosopher of science Peter Achinstein focuses on the
question whether observed phenomena constitute evidence that a theory is
true. Analyzing two central historical cases, he has mainly two goals:
(1) To argue that by using his Rules for the Study of Natural Philosophy
Newton was able to establish a universal law of gravitation to explain a
range of phenomena, and (2) To describe three methods used by Maxwell
when there were no sufficient evidence to establish a theory (or there
was no theory available). The book is clearly written, aims at a general
audience and provides valuable insights into the works of these two
icons of modern science. Thus, it is warmly recommended for the readers
of Science & Education. On the other
hand, the book lacks historical grounding and its argumentation, at some
points, appears to be based on personal convictions. The general feelin
...
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | Science & Education |
| Vol/bind | 23 |
| Udgave nummer | 10 |
| Sider (fra-til) | 2137-2148 |
| ISSN | 0926-7220 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 2014 |
| Eksternt udgivet | Ja |
ID: 128390504