The Spirit of Logical Empiricism: Carl G. Hempel's Role in Twentieth-Century Philosophy of Science Cover Image

Duch logického empirizmu: Miesto Carla G. Hempela vo filozofii vedy 20. storočia
The Spirit of Logical Empiricism: Carl G. Hempel's Role in Twentieth-Century Philosophy of Science

Author(s): Wesley C. Salmon
Subject(s): Epistemology, Logic, Contemporary Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, I discuss the key role played by Carl G. Hempel's work on theoretical realism and scientific explanation in effecting a crucial philosophical transition between the beginning and the end of the twentieth century. At the beginning of the century, the dominant view was that science is incapable of furnishing explanations of natural phenomena; at the end, explanation is widely viewed as an important, if not the primary, goal of science. In addition to its intellectual benefits, this transition has important practical consequences with respect to the global problems humans everywhere will face in the twentyfirst century.

  • Issue Year: 8/2001
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 287-304
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Slovak