What does it mean for scientists to truly understand, rather than to merely describe, how the world works? Michael Strevens proposes a novel theory of scientific explanation and understanding that ove
A groundbreaking and timely analysis of how science works and how we can preserve its power to grow our knowledgeOver the last three centuries, huge leaps in our scientific understanding and, as a res
Many philosophers believe they can gain knowledge about the world from the comfort of their armchairs, simply by reflecting on the nature of things. But how can the mind arrive at substantive knowledg
What does it mean for scientists to truly understand, rather than to merely describe, how the world works? Michael Strevens proposes a novel theory of scientific explanation and understanding that ove
Tychomancy—meaning “the divination of chances”—presents a set of rules for inferring the physical probabilities of outcomes from the causal or dynamic properties of the systems that produce them. Prob
Many complex systems--from immensely complicated ecosystems to minute assemblages of molecules--surprise us with their simple behavior. Consider, for instance, the snowflake, in which a great number o
A paradigm-shifting work that revolutionizes our understanding of the origins and structure of science.Captivatingly written, interwoven with tantalizing illustrations and historical vignettes ranging