Using History as Evidence in Philosophy of Science: A Methodological Critique
In: Journal of the Philosophy of HistorySearch for other papers by James W. McAllister in
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Abstract
This article offers a critical review of past attempts and possible methods to test philosophical models of science against evidence from history of science. Drawing on methodological debates in social science, I distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches. I show that both have their uses in history and philosophy of science, but that many writers in this domain have misunderstood and misapplied these approaches, and especially the method of case studies. To test scientific realism, for example, quantitative methods are more effective than case studies. I suggest that greater methodological clarity would enable the project of integrated history and philosophy of science to make renewed progress.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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Using History as Evidence in Philosophy of Science: A Methodological Critique
In: Journal of the Philosophy of HistorySearch for other papers by James W. McAllister in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This article offers a critical review of past attempts and possible methods to test philosophical models of science against evidence from history of science. Drawing on methodological debates in social science, I distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches. I show that both have their uses in history and philosophy of science, but that many writers in this domain have misunderstood and misapplied these approaches, and especially the method of case studies. To test scientific realism, for example, quantitative methods are more effective than case studies. I suggest that greater methodological clarity would enable the project of integrated history and philosophy of science to make renewed progress.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1074 | 175 | 12 |
| Full Text Views | 336 | 8 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 158 | 21 | 0 |