This popular reader has been vastly updated with ten stimulating new selections on the natural and the social sciences: feminism; postmodernism, relativism, and science; confirmation, acceptance, and theory; explanatory unification; and science and values. Retaining the best essays from the previous editions, the editors have added important new pieces to maintain this influential text's relevance. nFor nearly two decades, Introductory Readings in the Philosophy of Science has distinguished itself as the standard for texts specifically designed to meet the needs of beginning students. Retaining the best essays from the first two editions, the editors have added ten important new selections to maintain this influential text's relevance for today and tomorrow.

Readings cover such timely and important topics as feminism and the sciences, the effects of science on society, the natural versus the social sciences, and science and human values. There are also new study questions and case studies, updated section introductions, revised select bibliographies for each section, and a valuable appendix for instructors.