-
Birth
American philosopher of science and epistemologist Larry Laudan was born on this day in Austin, Texas. -
Progress and Its Problems: Towards a Theory of Scientific Growth
In this work Larry Laudan addressed Thomas Kuhn’s theory of paradigms and presents his own scientific model of scientific growth. Laudan believed in paradigms, more than one significant achievement can be work towards in a specific scientific field. Laudan also breaks down two types of attitudes scientics can have towards theories which are acceptance and pursuit. -
A Confutation of Convergent Realism
In this work Larry Laudan presents arguments against convergent realism. Laudan explains that realists believe the best evidence for convergent realism is empirical evidence which comes from examining the history of science. Laudan argues that if we look at empirical evidence in history, the amount of evidence that refutes convergent realism is roughly the same amount of evidence that supports it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ShefBoe3Y -
Science and Values the Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate
In this work Larry Laudan critiques logical empiricists such as Thomas Kuhn and post-positivist such as Paul Feyerabend as he explains the need for centrality and values and the interdependence of values, methods, and facts as prerequisites to solving the problems of consensus and dissent in science. Laudan, Larry. Science and Values the Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate. University of California Press, 1984, https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520908116. -
Beyond Positivism and Relativism
In this work Larry Laudan argues that scientific development is not cumulative but instead progressive. Laudan explains that “the aim of science is to secure theories with a high-problem solving effectiveness” and denounces heavy reliance on empirical data. Lipton, Peter. “Beyond Positivism and Relativism: Theory, Method and Evidence.” Nature, vol. 380, no. 6574, Nature Publishing Group, 1996, p. 494–.