What is science? Is there a real difference between science and
myth? Is science objective? Can science explain everything? This
Very Short Introduction provides a concise overview of the main
themes of contemporary philosophy of science. Beginning with a
short history of science to set the scene, Samir Okasha goes on
to investigate the nature of scientific reasoning, scientific
explanation, revolutions in science, and theories such as
realism and anti-realism. He also looks at philosophical issues
in particular sciences, including the problem of classification
in biology, and the nature of space and time in physics. The
final chapter touches on the conflicts between science and
religion, and explores whether science is ultimately a good
thing.