Paul Needham Knihy

The book explores fundamental issues in the philosophy of science, structured in two parts. The first part addresses knowledge and values, tracing the classical conception of knowledge from ancient Greece to modern science, while discussing truth, belief, justification, and the moral responsibilities of scientists. The second part contrasts two perspectives on scientific progress: one that emphasizes the rejection of old theories, as proposed by Karl Popper, and another that values the accumulation of knowledge, as defended by Pierre Duhem. The conclusion advocates for realism regarding modern scientific theories.

This book explores the concept of matter through a scientific lens, focusing on chemistry and its historical development. It discusses mereology, distinguishing between stable quantities of matter and individuals. The temporal aspects of material objects are examined, alongside their relations to substance, phase, and mixture, culminating in a discussion of modal features.