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One way to understand science is as a selection process. David Hull, one of the dominant figures in contemporary philosophy of science, sets out in this volume a general analysis of this selection process that applies equally to biological evolution, the reaction of the immune system to antigens, operant learning, and social and conceptual change in science.
Introduction; Part I. Selection in Biological Evolution: 1. Interactors versus vehicles; 2. Taking vehicles seriously; 3. A general analysis of selection, with Rod Langman and Sigrid Glenn; Part II. Selection in the Evolution of Science: 4. A mechanism and its metaphysics; 5. Why scientists behave scientifically; 6. What's wrong with invisible-hand explanations?; Part III. Testing our Views about Science: 7. A function for actual examples in philosophy of science; 8. The evolution of conceptual systems in science; 9. Testing philosophical claims about science; 10. That just don't sound right: a plea for real examples in philosophy of science; 11. Studying the study of science scientifically.
'This volume is one of the best collections of papers I have read in a long time.' International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 'All the papers collected here exemplify Hull's direct and clear-headed approach to philosophy. The papers include refinements to Hull's views in response to critics, some new theoretical developments and some new examples ! Hull makes interesting and productive suggestions for how to start work in some of these areas.' Biology and Philosophy
