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Progress and Its Problems: Towards a Theory of Scientific Growth
In Larry Laudan's seminal book, Progress and Its Problems: Towards a Theory of Scientific Growth, Laudan evaluates previous philosophies of science, providing insightful critique but also merit where he believed it was due. Laudan establishes that science is a "problem-solving activity" and expressed a desire for scientific work to continue only through the means of "progressive theory-choice" (Laudan 1977). [Continued in description/works cited]... -
Science and Hypothesis
Laudan's 1981 book Science and Hypothesis is a collection of his work published between 1965 and 1981. It includes essays and other writings that explore and critique the history of scientific hypotheses. Laudan deals with previous iterations of scientific hypotheses, such as Karl Popper's conjectures and refutations and the hypothetico-deductive model, originally proposed by Christiaan Huygens, by placing them in a historical and philosophical context (Laudan 1981). -
A Confutation of Convergent Realism
In his 1981 article A Confutation of Convergent Realism, Laudan dissects the Realists' approach to empirical testing and the lack of specificity in truth (Laudan vigorously attacks the idea of an approximation of truth). Additionally, Laudan argues that Realists fail to provide thoughtful consideration for epistemology, where falsified theories can be examined in greater detail (Laudan 1981). -
Science and Values: The Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate
In his 1984 book Science and Values: The Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate, Laudan discusses the dichotomy of views that are concurrently present within any scientific field. Laudan proposes that each field should include a set of values that can regulate disciplinary debate (Laudan 1984). -
Science and Relativism: Some Key Controversies in the Philosophy of Science
In his 1990 book Science and Relativism: Some Key Controversies in the Philosophy of Science, Laudan continues to critique realist, relativist, and positivist philosophies; particularly attacking their idea of scientific progress (Laudan 1990). -
Beyond Positivism and Relativism
In his 1996 book Beyond Positivism and Relativism, Laudan draws from several of his previously published papers to etch out the future of scientific progress and philosophy by delineating weaknesses in preceding realist and relativist philosophies. Here, Laudan maintains (and nearly double downs on) his critique of these philosophies, while introducing new arguments for the identification of non-science, epistemology, and the methodologies for falsification (Laudan 1996).