Perfected science is but an idealization that provides a useful contrast to highlight the limited character of what we do and can attain. This lies at the core of various debates in the philosophy of science and Rescher\u2019s discussion focuses on the question: how far could science go in principle-what are the theoretical limits on science? He concentrates on what science can discover, not what it should discover. He explores in detail the existence of limits or limitations on scientific inquiry, especially those that, in principle, preclude the full realization of the aims of science, as opposed to those that relate to economic obstacles to scientific progress. Rescher also places his argument within the politics of the day, where \u0022strident calls of ideological extremes surround us,\u0022 ranging from the exaggeration that \u0022science can do anything\u0022-to the antiscientism that views science as a costly diversion we would be well advised to abandon. Rescher offers a middle path between these two extremes and provides an appreciation of the actual powers and limitations of science, not only to philosophers of science but also to a larger, less specialized audience.
- ISBN10 0520051807
- ISBN13 9780520051805
- Publish Date 1 January 1984
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 12 May 1994
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of California Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 260
- Language English