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Against Method

Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge

Paul Feyerabend author Ian Hacking editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Verso Books

Published:11th May '10

Should be back in stock very soon

Against Method cover

Beyond Popper and Kuhn to an anarchist philosophy of science

Contemporary philosophy of science has paid close attention to the understanding of scientific practice, in contrast to the previous focus on scientific method. This work shows the deficiencies of many widespread ideas about the nature of knowledge. It argues that the only feasible explanation of any scientific success is a historical account.Paul Feyerabend's globally acclaimed work, which sparked and continues to stimulate fierce debate, examines the deficiencies of many widespread ideas about scientific progress and the nature of knowledge. Feyerabend argues that scientific advances can only be understood in a historical context. He looks at the way the philosophy of science has consistently overemphasized practice over method, and considers the possibility that anarchism could replace rationalism in the theory of knowledge.

This updated edition of the classic text includes a new introduction by Ian Hacking, one of the most important contemporary philosophers of science. Hacking reflects on both Feyerabend's life and personality as well as the broader significance of the book for current discussions.

A devastating attack on the claims of philosophy to legislate for scientific practice. * New Society *
A brilliant polemic. * New Scientist *
Since it was first published in 1975, Against Method has followed Popper's The Logic of Scientific Discovery and Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions into becoming a classic text in the debate about scientific methodology and scientific reasoning. * The Philosopher *
A powerful critique. * London Review of Books *
Against Method is more than a book: it is an event. * Archives de Philosophie *

ISBN: 9781844674428

Dimensions: 211mm x 140mm x 22mm

Weight: 420g

336 pages

4th edition