Description
Pierre Duhem: between physics and metaphysics
Book summary
This work offers a systematic and accessible analysis of the philosophy of Pierre Duhem, a key figure in the debate between science and metaphysics. The reader will discover how Duhem, influenced by Pascal, sought to mediate between the scientism and intellectual conservatism of turn-of-the-century France. Through an exploration of his physical logic, his conventionalist phenomenism, and his defense of scientific realism from the history of science, the book reveals the relevance of his thought in understanding the foundations of contemporary philosophy of science.
What is it about?
The volume contextualizes the work of Pierre Duhem, highlighting the intellectual legacy he received from Pascal and the influence he exerted on the historicist turn in the philosophy of science. It focuses on his proposal to mediate the debate in turn-of-the-century France between scientism, which recognizes no knowledge other than positive science, and conservative intellectuals, who proclaimed the "bankruptcy of science." For Duhem, the logical analysis of physics leads to a conventionalist phenomenism, while the history of science and metaphysics restore confidence in the realistic character of the scientific enterprise.
Main themes
- Pierre Duhem's philosophy of science
- Relationship between theoretical physics and metaphysics
- Conventionalist phenomenism and scientific realism
- Influence of Pascal on Duhem's thought
- Debate between scientism and intellectual conservatism in 19th-century France
- Historicist turn in contemporary philosophy of science
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at students and specialists in philosophy, especially those interested in philosophy of science, metaphysics, and the history of scientific thought. It will also be of interest to readers seeking to understand the tensions between positive science and traditional philosophical currents, as well as those who wish to explore the roots of the contemporary debate on scientific realism.
What this book offers
- A clear and systematic understanding of the philosophy of Duhem, a central figure in the philosophy of science.
- Keys to understanding the debate between scientism and metaphysics in the historical context of the late 19th century.
- A perspective on how the history of science can reconcile conventionalism with scientific realism.
- Tools for analyzing the influence of Pascal and the impact of Duhem on the discipline's historicist turn.
Technical specifications
- Author: Víctor M. Hernández Márquez
- Publisher: Anthropos Editorial
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Literary essays, Philosophy, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Philosophy of science, History of science
- Collection: Philosophy
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: July 2016
- Number of pages: 208
- Weight: 266 g
Editorial review
This work constitutes a rigorous and well-structured introduction to the thought of Pierre Duhem, offering the reader the keys to understanding his proposal for mediation between science and metaphysics. Its contextual and accessible approach makes it a valuable tool for both academics and readers interested in the foundations of the philosophy of science. The expository clarity and the relevance of the topics covered make this book a useful reference for delving into a debate that remains current.