Rationality and Science

In this book, Professor Trigg examines how far it is possible to give reasons for trusting science. He examines a variety of issues: can science, for instance, hope to provide a "Theory of Everything", a final explanation of the nature of the Universe? Is science our sole source of knowledge? Can science and scientific practice be justified? What are the rational foundations of science? How far can reason, and the idea of reality, be upheld? In defending a realist outlook, Trigg aims to show that even physical science must be given metaphysical foundations. In doing so, he explains and evaluates the views of Rorty, Wittgenstein, Quine, Putnam and Hawking, amongst others. He goes on to explore the limits of science and rationality, arguing for the power of human reason.