First published in 1963, this title considers the philosophical problems encountered when attempting to provide a clear and general explanation of scientific principles, and the basic confrontation between such principles and experience. Beginning with a detailed introduction that considers various approaches to the philosophy and theory of science, Israel Scheffler then divides his study into three key sections - Explanation, Significance and Confirmation - that explore how these complex issues involved have been dealt with in contemporary research. This title, by one of America's leading philosophers, will provide a valuable analysis of the theory and problems surrounding the Philosophy of Science.

About the Contributor(s): Israel Scheffler is Victor S. Thomas Professor of Education and Philosophy Emeritus at Harvard University. He taught philosophy at Harvard from 1952 to 1992 and, from 1983 to 2003, was codirector, then director of the Philosophy of Education Research Center there. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a founding member of the National Academy of Education, and a past president of both the Philosophy of Science Association and the Charles S. Peirce Society. Among his previous books are ""The Anatomy of Inquiry""( 1963), ""Four Pragmatists""(1974), ""Of Human Potential""(1985), ""In Praise of the Cognitive Emotions""(1991), and ""Worlds of Truth""(2009). His main interests lie in the philosophical interpretation of language, symbolism, science, and education.