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Philosophical Work & "The Scientific Image" (1981) In 1981
Van Fraassen's seminal book, "The Scientific Image," proposed the bold philosophy of "constructive empiricism," suggesting science's aim is to provide theories that are empirically adequate, not necessarily true or false in a purely realistic sense. The resonating contribution won van Fraassen the Franklin J. Matchette Prize and the Imre Lakatos Award. Bastiaan Cornelius van Fraassen. (n.d.). Office of the Dean of the Faculty. https://dof.princeton.edu/people/bastiaan-cornelius-van-fraassen -
Impact on Philosophy of Physics (1989 - 1991)
Van Fraassen's influence on the philosophy of science extended to specific domains, such as physical laws and quantum mechanics. His books, "Laws and Symmetry" (1989) and "Quantum Mechanics: An Empiricist View" (1991), Bastiaan Cornelius van Fraassen. (n.d.). Office of the Dean of the Faculty. https://dof.princeton.edu/people/bastiaan-cornelius-van-fraassen -
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Title: Bas van Fraassen (1941 - present) - Influential Philosopher in the Realm of Science
Education and Early Career (1963–1966) Born in the Netherlands in 1941 and later emigrating to Canada, Bas van Fraassen studied philosophy at the University of Alberta, earning his B.A. in 1963. He then pursued graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, earning his MA in 1964 and his Ph.D. in 1966. Bastiaan Cornelius van Fraassen. (n.d.). Office of the Dean of the Faculty. https://dof.princeton.edu/people/bastiaan-cornelius-van-fraassen -
The Empirical Stance & Academic Recognition (2002 - Present)
Van Fraassen expounded on his views in "The Empirical Stance" (2002), earning further recognition for his non-traditional approach to the philosophy of science. Bastiaan Cornelius van Fraassen. (n.d.). Office of the Dean of the Faculty. https://dof.princeton.edu/people/bastiaan-cornelius-van-fraassen