The Scenes of Inquiry On the Reality of Questions in the Sciences [Paperback]

This book advocates a radical shift of concern in philosophical, historical, and sociological studies of the sciences, and explores the consequences of such a shift. It is argued that recent studies in the sociology and social history of the sciences pose strong challenges by revealing how appeals to authority, vested interests, and rhetorical and aesthetic sensibilities play substantial roles in scientific practices.

Offers many refreshing and sensible insights to current debates about truth, scientific realism, and particularly the historical evaluation of scientific progress. --Philosophical Review

Highly recommended for libraries of history and philosophy of science and undergraduate collections of intellectual history. --Choice