Essays in the History and Philosophy of Science

Here, for the first time in English, are the philosophical essays—including the first statement of the “Duhem Thesis”—that formed the basis for Aim and Structure of Physical Theory, together with new translations of the historiographical essays presenting the equally celebrated “Continuity Thesis” by Pierre Duhem (1861–1916), a founding figure of the history and philosophy of science. Prefaced by an introduction on Duhem’s intellectual development and continuing significance, here as well are important subsequent essays in which Duhem elaborated key concpets and critiqued such contemporaries as Henri Poincaré and Ernst Mach. Together, these works offer a lively picture of the state of science at the turn of the twentieth century while addressing methodological issues that remain at the center of debate today.

Reviews:

“This volume assembles twelve texts published between 1892 and 1915 . . . . The editors allow one to see the genesis of the ideas of Duhem, philosopher and historian, of the variety of his styles, and sometimes also the limits of his work . . . . A useful index, probably unique in the field of Duhemian studies, completes the book . . . . The English-language public may be assured an exemplary translation and a reliable critical apparatus.”
     —Jean Gayon, Revue d’Histoire des Sciences

Contents:

• Introduction
• Note on the Translation
• Bibliography

• “Some Reflections on the Subject of Physical Theories” (1892)
• “Physics and Metaphysics” (1893)
• “The English School and Physical Theories” (1893)
• “Some Reflections on the Subject of Experimental Physics” (1894)
• “Analysis of Mach’s The Science of Mechanics: A Critical and Historical Account of Its Development” (1903)
• "From “To Save the Phenomena: Essay on the Concept of Physical Theory from Plato to Galileo” (1908)
• “Letter to Father Bulliot, on Science and Religion” (1911)
• “History of Physics” (1911)
• “The Nature of Mathematical Reasoning” (1912)
• “Logical Examination of Physical Theory” (1913)
• “Research on the History of Physical Theories” (1913)
• “Some Reflections on German Science” (1915)

• Index

About the Author:

Roger Ariew is Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of South Florida.