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Progress and Its Problems First Published
Laudan published his first major book, Progress and Its Problems, outlining his philosophy of science. He explained the ideas of research traditions, which are similar to Kuhn's paradigms. However, there can be more than one in a particular field at any given time, which allows a more expansive knowledge of philosophy. Laudan, Larry. Progress and Its Problems: Towards a Theory of Scientific Growth. University of California Press, 1978. (Continued on Next Slide) -
Progress and Its Problems Cont.
Laudan and Lakatos had very similar philosophies, although Laudan's philosophy is seen as a better representation of the real world. The main distinction is acceptance and pursuit, where scientists can pursue a theory without accepting it. This avoids some problems in previous philosophies where pursuit of a theory meant some form of acceptance (Godfrey-Smith 2003). Is Science Rational? -
Science and Values First Published
Lauden published the revised copy of his theories in philosophy in 1984. In it, he examines how to explain simultaneous agreement and disagreement in science, and he explores and critiques historical philosophies in science. His methods of disagreement are shown in the image Laudan, Larry. Science and Values: The Aims of Science and Their Role in Scientific Debate. University of California Press, 1986. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/apus/detail.action?docID=470866. -
Science and Relativism First Published
In 1990, Laudan released Science and Relativism. In this book, he examines radical relativism and the problems behind it, touted by philosophers such as Feyerabend. He focuses his efforts on the philosophy of science and offers insight beyond. Laudan, Larry. Science and Relativism: Some Key Controversies in the Philosophy of Science. University of Chicago Press, 1990. Why Relativism Will Lead to a Disintegrated Society