Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge: Volume 4
Proceedings of the International Colloquium in the Philosophy of Science, London, 1965

This volume arose out of a symposium on Thomas Kuhn's work, with Karl Popper in the chair.

Imre Lakatos (Edited by), Alan Musgrave (Edited by)

9780521096232, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 September 1970

292 pages
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.6 cm, 0.41 kg

'This book is a fascinating example of philosophical debate about issues which should interest any historian of science concerned with scientific method and the philosophy of scientific change.' Philosophy of Science

Two books have been particularly influential in contemporary philosophy of science: Karl R. Popper's Logic of Scientific Discovery, and Thomas S. Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Both agree upon the importance of revolutions in science, but differ about the role of criticism in science's revolutionary growth. This volume arose out of a symposium on Kuhn's work, with Popper in the chair, at an international colloquium held in London in 1965. The book begins with Kuhn's statement of his position followed by seven essays offering criticism and analysis, and finally by Kuhn's reply. The book will interest senior undergraduates and graduate students of the philosophy and history of science, as well as professional philosophers, philosophically inclined scientists, and some psychologists and sociologists.

Preface
Note on the third impression
1. Logic of discovery of psychology of research? T. S. Kuhn
2. Against 'Normal Science' J. W. N. Watkins
3. Does the distinction between normal and revolutionary science hold water? S. E. Toulmin
4. Normal science, scientific revolutions and the history of science L. Pearce Williams
5. Normal science and its dangers K. R. Popper
6. The nature of a paradigm Margaret Masterman
7. Falsification and the methodology of scientific research programmes I. Lakatos
8. Consolations for the specialist P. K. Feyerabend
9. Reflections on my critics T. S. Kuhn
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]