James Ladyman is Senior Lecturer in philosophy at the University of Bristol

'An excellent introduction to philosophy of science that can be recommended as a starting point to the general reader... The writing is exceptionally clear and the text is enlivened by periodic snippets of dialogue between enthusiastic science lover Alice and her more sceptical friend Thomas.' - Network, 2002'I have no reservations in recomnmending [it] as the ideal introductory volume for anyone wishing to learn more about philosophy of science' - Philosophers Magazine'Amongst the many introductory books on philosophy of science this one stands out in two ways: Ladyman writes very clearly about philosophical issues and problems and he tries more than most philosophers do to explain why they deserve the attention of science students. He does an excellent job of introducing key philosophical problems to students who are unlikely to be taking other philosophy courses.' - Philosophical Books'His approach is balanced throughout ... a success on many levels ... Particularly impressive in this book is the effortless way that Ladyman introduces the ideas of active, contemporary philosophers of science ... Few books of this kind will contain ideas as up to date.' - Mind

• I. The Scientific Method 1. Induction and Inductivism 2. The Problem of Induction and other Problems with Inductivism 3. Falsificationism 4. Revolutions and Rationality II. Realism and Antirealism about Science 5. Scientific Realism 6. Underdetermination 7. Explanation and Inference to the Best Explanation 8. Realism about What? Glossary Bibliography

James Ladyman is Senior Lecturer in philosophy at the University of Bristol

'An excellent introduction to philosophy of science that can be recommended as a starting point to the general reader... The writing is exceptionally clear and the text is enlivened by periodic snippets of dialogue between enthusiastic science lover Alice and her more sceptical friend Thomas.' - Network, 2002'I have no reservations in recomnmending [it] as the ideal introductory volume for anyone wishing to learn more about philosophy of science' - Philosophers Magazine'Amongst the many introductory books on philosophy of science this one stands out in two ways: Ladyman writes very clearly about philosophical issues and problems and he tries more than most philosophers do to explain why they deserve the attention of science students. He does an excellent job of introducing key philosophical problems to students who are unlikely to be taking other philosophy courses.' - Philosophical Books'His approach is balanced throughout ... a success on many levels ... Particularly impressive in this book is the effortless way that Ladyman introduces the ideas of active, contemporary philosophers of science ... Few books of this kind will contain ideas as up to date.' - Mind

• I. The Scientific Method 1. Induction and Inductivism 2. The Problem of Induction and other Problems with Inductivism 3. Falsificationism 4. Revolutions and Rationality II. Realism and Antirealism about Science 5. Scientific Realism 6. Underdetermination 7. Explanation and Inference to the Best Explanation 8. Realism about What? Glossary Bibliography