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Social Constructivism and the Philosophy of Science
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.
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.
- GenresPhilosophyScience
182 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 13, 2011
I pulled this off the shelf at Columbia.
This is not a beginners book on Social Constructivism and probably should be read with a bit of existing background in the discourse which surrounds it. It is as dry as any academic book before it has been. Moreover, it lacks the use of headers in some of the chapters, that might help to simplify an understanding of the author's stance throughout the book (hence the loss of 1 star).
However, the four star rating reflects the fact that Kukla has done a fairly thorough job of addressing various off-shoots of the nascent idea of constructionism and its development in modern times. I appreciate that when he has solid examples, he pulls them from numerous different disciplines rather than a single obscure area (like other philosophers). His explanations are very thoroughly articulated. I particularly liked the manner in which - in Chapter 13 - he delved into the problems with time for the causal constructionist.
A good read for those that are interested - from an academic perspective - in better understanding this emerging strain of thought.
This is not a beginners book on Social Constructivism and probably should be read with a bit of existing background in the discourse which surrounds it. It is as dry as any academic book before it has been. Moreover, it lacks the use of headers in some of the chapters, that might help to simplify an understanding of the author's stance throughout the book (hence the loss of 1 star).
However, the four star rating reflects the fact that Kukla has done a fairly thorough job of addressing various off-shoots of the nascent idea of constructionism and its development in modern times. I appreciate that when he has solid examples, he pulls them from numerous different disciplines rather than a single obscure area (like other philosophers). His explanations are very thoroughly articulated. I particularly liked the manner in which - in Chapter 13 - he delved into the problems with time for the causal constructionist.
A good read for those that are interested - from an academic perspective - in better understanding this emerging strain of thought.
October 25, 2015
Disappointing read - 1*
Too heavy for a primary education degree. I picked up this book (electronically) to develop my understanding for my presentation on 'how children learn science?' I found it too focused on philosophy and the argument between psychologists and social scientists (?). I don't even know and I've skim read this book.
Too dry for me.
Too heavy for a primary education degree. I picked up this book (electronically) to develop my understanding for my presentation on 'how children learn science?' I found it too focused on philosophy and the argument between psychologists and social scientists (?). I don't even know and I've skim read this book.
Too dry for me.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews