Skip to content

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World Hardcover - 1984

by Salmon, Wesley C


From the publisher

The philosophical theory of scientific explanation proposed here involves a radically new treatment of causality that accords with the pervasively statistical character of contemporary science. Wesley C. Salmon describes three fundamental conceptions of scientific explanation--the epistemic, modal, and ontic. He argues that the prevailing view (a version of the epistemic conception) is untenable and that the modal conception is scientifically out-dated. Significantly revising aspects of his earlier work, he defends a causal/mechanical theory that is a version of the ontic conception. Professor Salmon's theory furnishes a robust argument for scientific realism akin to the argument that convinced twentieth-century physical scientists of the existence of atoms and molecules. To do justice to such notions as irreducibly statistical laws and statistical explanation, he offers a novel account of physical randomness. The transition from the "reviewed view" of scientific explanation (that explanations are arguments) to the causal/mechanical model requires fundamental rethinking of basic explanatory concepts.

Details

  • Title Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
  • Author Salmon, Wesley C
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 321
  • Publisher Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ
  • Date 1984
  • ISBN 9780691072937

About the author

Wesley C. Salmon (1925-2001) was University Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1999 and the author of works that include The Foundations of Scientific Inference and Statistical Explanation and Statistical Relevance.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World

by Wesley C Salmon

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691072937 / 0691072930
Quantity Available
1
Seller
kingston, New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£13.71
£2.42 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
light pencil markings throughout.
Item Price
£13.71
£2.42 shipping to USA
Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World

by Salmon, Wesley C.

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691072937 / 0691072930
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Lynden, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£21.93
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Book is in good condition and may contain underlining or highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include library labels. May not contain miscellaneous items (toys, dvds, etc). We offer 100% money back guarantee and fast customer support.
Item Price
£21.93
FREE shipping to USA
Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World

by Salmon, Wesley C

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691072937 / 0691072930
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£22.29
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Princeton University Press. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
£22.29
FREE shipping to USA
Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World

by Wesley C. Salmon

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691072937 / 0691072930
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£22.40
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Princeton University Press, 1984. Hardcover. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£22.40
FREE shipping to USA
SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION AND THE CASUAL STRUCTURE OF THE WORLD
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION AND THE CASUAL STRUCTURE OF THE WORLD

by Salmon, Wesley C.

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
First Edition
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691072937 / 0691072930
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Buffalo, Wyoming, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£32.26
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1984. First Edition . Hardcover. Near Fine/Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book is in NF condition with trace edge wear noted else a bright and solid copy. Dust jacket is in VG condition with rubbing to edges, covers and along spine else bright, intact and whole. ARN 50.03
Item Price
£32.26
FREE shipping to USA
Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World

by Salmon, Wesley C.

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - VG- (DJ and top edge have some foxing, otherwise good.)
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691072937 / 0691072930
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£60.50
£7.25 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1984. Hardcover. VG- (DJ and top edge have some foxing, otherwise good.). Brown cloth, brown dust jacket, 305 pp. "The philosophical theory of scientific explanation proposed here involves a radically new treatment of causality that accords with the pervasively statistical character of contemporary science. Wesley C. Salmon describes three fundational conceptions of scientific explanation -- the epistemic, modal, and ontic. He argues that the prevailing view (a version of the epistemic conception) is untenable and that the modal conception is scientifically outdated. Significantly revising aspects of his earlier work, he defends a causal / mechanical theory that is a version of the ontic conception." (dj).
Item Price
£60.50
£7.25 shipping to USA