Social Constructivism and the Philosophy of Science
Social Constructivism and the Philosophy of Science

Author: André Kukla

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-01-11

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1134567383

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Social constructionists maintain that we invent the properties of the world rather than discover them. Is reality constructed by our own activity? Do we collectively invent the world rather than discover it? André Kukla presents a comprehensive discussion of the philosophical issues that arise out of this debate, analysing the various strengths and weaknesses of a range of constructivist arguments and arguing that current philosophical objections to constructivism are inconclusive. However, Kukla offers and develops new objections to constructivism, distinguishing between the social causes of scientific beliefs and the view that all ascertainable facts are constructed.

Constructivism in Science Education
Constructivism in Science Education

Author: Michael Matthews

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 940115032X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Constructivism is one of the most influential theories in contemporary education and learning theory. It has had great influence in science education. The papers in this collection represent, arguably, the most sustained examination of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of constructivism yet published. Topics covered include: orthodox epistemology and the philosophical traditions of constructivism; the relationship of epistemology to learning theory; the connection between philosophy and pedagogy in constructivist practice; the difference between radical and social constructivism, and an appraisal of their epistemology; the strengths and weaknesses of the Strong Programme in the sociology of science and implications for science education. The book contains an extensive bibliography. Contributors include philosophers of science, philosophers of education, science educators, and cognitive scientists. The book is noteworthy for bringing this diverse range of disciplines together in the examination of a central educational topic.

Social Constructivism as a Philosophy of Mathematics
Social Constructivism as a Philosophy of Mathematics

Author: Paul Ernest

Publisher: SUNY Press

Published: 1998-01-01

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9780791435878

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Extends the ideas of social constructivism to the philosophy of mathematics, developing a powerful critique of traditional absolutist conceptions of mathematics, and proposing a reconceptualization of the philosophy of mathematics.

The Knowledge Book
The Knowledge Book

Author: Steve Fuller

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-11-27

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 1317493273

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"The Knowledge Book" is a unique interdisciplinary reference work for students and researchers concerned with the nature of knowledge. It is the first work of its kind to be organized on the assumption that whatever else knowledge might be, it is intrinsically social. The book consists of 42 alphabetically arranged entries on key concepts at the intersection of philosophy and sociology - what used to be called "sociology of knowledge" but is now increasingly called "social epistemology". The entries include concepts common to disciplines that in recent years have devoted more of their attention to knowledge: cultural studies, communication studies, information science, education, policy studies and business studies. Special attention is given to concepts from the emerging field of science and technology studies. Each entry presents a short, self-contained essay providing an overview of a concept and concludes with suggestions for further reading. All the entries are fully cross-referenced, allowing readers to both make connections and follow their own interests.

The Social Construction of What?
The Social Construction of What?

Author: Ian Hacking

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 1999-05-15

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 9780674812000

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Lost in the raging debate over the validity of social construction is the question of what, precisely, is being constructed. Facts, gender, quarks, reality? Ian Hacking’s book explores an array of examples to reveal the deep issues underlying contentious accounts of reality—especially regarding the status of the natural sciences.

Legitimizing Scientific Knowledge
Legitimizing Scientific Knowledge

Author: Francis Remedios

Publisher: Lexington Books

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9780739106679

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Francis Remedios provides important criticisms of Fuller's position and Fuller's responses to philosophical debates, as well as reconstructions of Fuller's arguments. The result is a carefully argued, in-depth analysis of the work of a very important philosopher of science."--Jacket.

Making Natural Knowledge
Making Natural Knowledge

Author: Jan Golinski

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2008-07-22

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 0226302326

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Arguably the best available introduction to constructivism, a research paradigm that has dominated the history of science for the past forty years, Making Natural Knowledge reflects on the importance of this theory, tells the history of its rise to prominence, and traces its most important tensions. Viewing scientific knowledge as a product of human culture, Jan Golinski challenges the traditional trajectory of the history of science as steady and autonomous progress. In exploring topics such as the social identity of the scientist, the significance of places where science is practiced, and the roles played by language, instruments, and images, Making Natural Knowledge sheds new light on the relations between science and other cultural domains. "A standard introduction to historically minded scholars interested in the constructivist programme. In fact, it has been called the 'constructivist's bible' in many a conference corridor."—Matthew Eddy, British Journal for the History of Science

Social Science
Social Science

Author: Gerard Delanty

Publisher: U of Minnesota Press

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 9780816631278

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It is argued that the conception of social science emerging today is one that involves a synthesis of radical constructivism and critical realism. The crucial challenge facing social science is a question of its public role: growing reflexivity in society has implications for the social production of knowledge and is bringing into question the separation of expert systems from other forms of knowledge.

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

Author: Kent W. Staley

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2014-11-06

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 1316094375

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book guides readers by gradual steps through the central concepts and debates in the philosophy of science. Using concrete examples from the history of science, Kent W. Staley shows how seemingly abstract philosophical issues are relevant to important aspects of scientific practice. Structured in two parts, the book first tackles the central concepts of the philosophy of science, such as the problem of induction, falsificationism, and underdetermination, and important figures and movements, such as the logical empiricists, Thomas Kuhn, and Paul Feyerabend. The second part turns to contemporary debates in the philosophy of science, such as scientific realism, explanation, the role of values in science, the different views of scientific inference, and probability. This broad yet detailed overview will give readers a strong grounding whilst also providing opportunities for further exploration. It will be of particular interest to students of philosophy, the philosophy of science, and science.

Philosophy, Science, Education and Culture
Philosophy, Science, Education and Culture

Author: Robert Nola

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-02-22

Total Pages: 489

ISBN-13: 1402037708

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Currents such as epistemological and social constructivism, postmodernism, and certain forms of multiculturalism that had become fashionable within science education circles in the last decades lost sight of critical inquiry as the core aim of education. In this book we develop an account of education that places critical inquiry at the core of education in general and science education in particular. Since science constitutes the paradigm example of critical inquiry, we explain the nature of science, paying particular attention to scientific methodology and scientific modeling and at the same time showing their relevance in the science classroom. We defend a universalist, rationalist, and objectivist account of science against epistemological and social constructivist views, postmodernist approaches and epistemic multiculturalist accounts.