
Against Method
Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge
Paul Feyerabend(Author)
Verso Books (Publisher)
Published on 17. November 1993
Book
Paperback/Softback
296 pages
978-0-86091-646-8 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
Modern philosophy of science has paid great attention to the understanding of scientific 'practice', in contrast to concentration on scientific 'method'. Paul Feyerabend's acclaimed work, which has contributed greatly to this new emphasis, shows the deficiencies of some widespread ideas about the nature of knowledge. He argues that the only feasible explanations of scientific successes are historical explanations, and that anarchism must now replace rationalism in the theory of knowledge.
The third edition of this classic text contains a new preface and additional reflections at various points in which the author takes account both of recent debates on science and on the impact of scientific products and practices on the human community. While disavowing populism or relativism, Feyerabend continues to insist that the voice of the inexpert must be heard. Thus many environmental perils were first identified by non-experts against prevailing assumptions in the scientific community. Feyerabend's challenging reassessment of scientific claims and understandings are as pungent and timely as ever.
The third edition of this classic text contains a new preface and additional reflections at various points in which the author takes account both of recent debates on science and on the impact of scientific products and practices on the human community. While disavowing populism or relativism, Feyerabend continues to insist that the voice of the inexpert must be heard. Thus many environmental perils were first identified by non-experts against prevailing assumptions in the scientific community. Feyerabend's challenging reassessment of scientific claims and understandings are as pungent and timely as ever.
Reviews / Votes
Against Method is morder than a book: it is an event. * Archives de Philosphie * A brilliant polemic * New Scientist * A devastating attack on the claims of philosophy to legislate for scientific practice. * New Society *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 142 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
361 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-86091-646-8 (9780860916468)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Book
05/2010
4th Edition
Verso Books
€21.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Previous edition
Book
01/1989
Verso Books
€36.09
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Paul Feyerabend was Professor of Philosophy at UC Berkeley, and Professor of the Philosophy of Science at the Federal Institute of Technology at Zurich. He died in 1994. His books include Philosophical Papers, Farewell to Reason, and Against Method. Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He is the author of Historical Ontology, Scientific Revolutions, and The Emergence of Probability.