| Witches, Scientists, Philosophers: Essays and Lectures Contributor(s): Butts, Robert E. (Author), Solomon, Graham (Editor) |
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ISBN: 9048155770 ISBN-13: 9789048155774 Publisher: Springer OUR PRICE: $104.49 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: October 2010 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | History - Science | Philosophy & Social Aspects - Social Science | Reference |
| Dewey: 501 |
| Series: The Western Ontario Philosophy of Science |
| Physical Information: 0.46" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (0.69 lbs) 206 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Modern |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Robert E. Butts (1928-1997) was a philosopher and historian of science whose central concerns were the distinction between the rational and the irrational. He viewed scientific rationality as our major defence against the various conditions that encourage witch hunts and similar outbursts of irrationality, with all their attendant pain and terror. Butts saw himself as a pragmatic realist, combining what he took to be the best aspects of logical empiricism with a historically informed pragmatism, deeply appreciative of the methods of science, trying to describe a kind of rationality essential in the struggle to preserve human values. This volume gathers previously unpublished essays and lectures with some previously published, thematically related essays. It includes essays and lectures on philosophical aspects of the European witch hunt, on scientific rationality and methodology, and on the relationships between science and philosophy exhibited in the writings of such historically significant figures as Leibniz, D'Alembert, Hume, Kant, Carnap and Kuhn. |