This classic work of philosophy offers a rigorous and accessible introduction to the philosophy of science. Toulmin provides a careful analysis of the logic and methodology of scientific inquiry, and explores key debates in the field, such as the nature of scientific discovery and the role of experimentation. With clarity and precision, this book offers a compelling argument for the essential role of philosophy in understanding the nature of scientific knowledge.

Author Max Black argues that language should conform to the discovered regularities of experience it is radically mistaken to assume that the conception of language is a mirror of reality.

This is a new release of the original 1949 edition.

Both of these traditional interpretations were seriously challenged by Vico and the romantic movement. Rather than viewing metaphor as an ornamental substitution for the proper word, or as a mere comparison, Vico, Croce and Collingwood insisted that metaphor historically or logically precedes the solidified meanings of conceptual language, and further performs a uniquely revelatory function. While the fixed meanings of literal and logical discourse might be practically or intellectually useful, only the fluidity of poetic metaphor can reveal the concrete physiognomy (...) of the experienced world. Still, by stressing the pre-conceptual character of metaphor, the traditional dichotomy between it and all intellectual pursuits was made even more pronounced. Moreover, on the basis of this theory, it became impossible to distinguish poetic metaphor from primitive myth, or even from the assertions of schizophrenics. Equally embarrassing is the fact that aphasiacs, who have actually lost the use of conceptual language, are also completely unable to understand metaphors of any sort. (shrink)

This book discusses principles and theories regarding perception and communication. Relevant research data is presented which support these theories. 2004 APA, all rights reserved).

Reproduced here in facsimile, this volume was originally published in 1963 and is available individually. The collection is also available in a number of themed mini-sets of between 5 and 13 volumes, or as a complete collection.

Craik published only one complete work of any length, this essay on The Nature of Explanation.