Explaining Science: A Cognitive Approach

List of Figures 
Preface 
Acknowledgments 
1. Toward a Unified Cognitive Theory of Science 
What Might a Cognitive Theory of Science Be? 
Rationality, Relativism, and Cognition 
Representation and Judgment 
Naturalistic Realism 
Can the Philosophy of Science Be Naturalized? 
Must the Naturalistic Study of Science Be Viciously Circular? 
Evolutionary Naturalism 
What Might a Cognitive Theory of Science Be Like? 
A Role for History? 
Overview of This Book 
2. Theories of Science 
Logical Empiricism 
The Social Structure of Science 
Paradigms and Revolutions 
Programs and Traditions 
Constructive Empiricism 
The Strong Program 
Laboratory Studies 
The Sociological Analysis of Scientists\' Discourse 
3. Models and Theories 
The Science Textbook 
The Organization of a Mechanics Text 
The Linear Oscillator 
Interpretation and Identification 
The Laws of Motion 
Models and Hypotheses 
What Is a Scientific Theory? 
What about Axiomatic Presentations of Mechanics? 
Beyond Classical Mechanics 
4. Constructive Realism 
Respects of Similarity 
Varieties of Empiricism 
Unrestricted Realism 
Metaphysical Realism 
Modal Realism 
Laws as Universal Generalizations 
Causal Models and Causal Explanations 
Realistic Rejoinders 
5. Realism in the Laboratory 
Contingency and Negotiation 
Producing Protons 
Using Protons 
Experimentation and Realism 
The Limitations of Empiricism 
The Limitations of Constructivism 
Geometrical Cognition in Nuclear Research 
The Role of Technology in Scientific Research 
6. Scientific Judgment 
Scientists as Decision Makers 
Basic Decision Models 
Bayesian Decision Models 
Are Scientists Bayesian Agents? 
Satisficing Models 
Scientists as Satisficers 
Experimental Tests 
Philosophical Objections 
The Role of Probability in Science 
7. Models and Experiments 
Models of the Nuclear Potential 
Background to the Pursuit of Relativistic Dirac Models 
Response to the New Data 
Why Successful Predictions Matter 
Further Evidence 
The Design and Execution of an Experimental Test 
Cognitive Resources and Scientific Interests 
An Evolutionary Picture 
The Future of Dirac Models in Nuclear Physics 
8. Explaining the Revolution in Geology 
Contractionist Models 
Wegener and Continental Drift 
Wegener\'s Critics 
Oceanography and Paleomagnetism 
Seafloor Spreading 
The Vine-Matthews Hypothesis 
The Juan de Fuca Ridge 
The Vindication of Seafloor Spreading 
Mobilism Becomes a Satisfactory Option 
Revolution or Evolution? 
Epilogue: Reflexive Reflections 
Notes 
References 
Index