Book review: Evidence and Method: Scientific Strategies of Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell / Peter Achinstein. - Oxford University Press, New York, 2013
Research output: Contribution to journal › Literature review › Research
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
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| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Science & Education |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| Pages (from-to) | 2137-2148 |
| ISSN | 0926-7220 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ID: 128390504