Is Water H2O?: Evidence, Realism and Pluralism (Boston Studies

Is Water H2O?: Evidence, Realism and Pluralism (Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, 293)

This book exhibits deep philosophical quandaries and intricacies of the historical development of science lying behind a simple and fundamental item of common sense in modern science, namely the composition of water as H₂O. Three main phases of development are critically re-examined, covering the historical period from the 1760s to the 1860s: the Chemical Revolution (through which water first became recognized as a compound, not an element), early electrochemistry (by which waterâ‚¬s compound nature was confirmed), and early atomic chemistry (in which water started out as HO and became H₂O). In each case, the author concludes that the empirical evidence available at the time was not decisive in settling the central debates and therefore the consensus that was reached was unjustified or at least premature. This leads to a significant re-examination of the realism question in the philosophy of science and a unique new advocacy for pluralism in science. Each chapter contains three layers, allowing readers to follow various parts of the book at their chosen level of depth and detail. The second major study in "complementary science", this book offers a rare combination of philosophy, history and science in a bid to improve scientific knowledge through history and philosophy of science.
Country USA
Brand Springer
Manufacturer Springer
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber 45 black & white illustrations, 2 black
ReleaseDate 2014-02-05
UnitCount 1
EANs 9789400796461

Country	USA
Brand	Springer
Manufacturer	Springer
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	45 black & white illustrations, 2 black
ReleaseDate	2014-02-05
UnitCount	1
EANs	9789400796461

Is Water H2O?: Evidence, Realism and Pluralism (Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, 293)

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