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Ernest Nagel / November 16, 1901 - September 20, 1985
Ernest Nagel was a philosopher who made significant contributions to the philosophy of science, which is the study of how science works and how scientific knowledge is developed. One of his most important works is The Structure of Science, published in 1961. This book helped shape how people think about scientific explanations and the nature of scientific theories. -
David Bloor / DOB: June 28, 1942 / Present
David Bloor is a British sociologist who significantly impacted the philosophy of science with his work, particularly through the publication of his influential book Knowledge and Social Imagery in 1976. This book is a cornerstone of the sociology of scientific knowledge (SSK), a field that studies how social factors influence scientific research and knowledge. -
Larry Laudan / October 16, 1941 - August 23, 2022
Laudan's 1977 book "Progress and Its Problems" revolutionized the philosophy of science. Contrary to prevailing views, he proposed that scientific progress is measured by problem-solving effectiveness, not by closeness to truth or paradigm shifts. This approach, termed the reticulated model, emphasizes solving problems over time, challenging traditional notions of scientific advancement. -
Nancy Cartwright / January 24, 1944 - Present
Cartwright became known for her groundbreaking ideas in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly in her book "How the Laws of Physics Lie." Cartwright's contribution is like adding a new piece to the puzzle of understanding science. She encourages us to think beyond just finding universal laws and instead focus on the messy, real-world details that shape how things actually work. -
Bas Van Fraassen / April 5, 1941 - Present
Bas van Fraassen is a contemporary philosopher known for his significant contributions to the philosophy of science; in 1980, Bas van Fraassen published a groundbreaking book titled "The Scientific Image." This work challenged the prevailing views about the nature of scientific theories and how we should interpret them. Van Fraassen's constructive empiricism has had a profound impact on how philosophers and scientists think about the aims and limits of scientific inquiry.