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Nature
About: Nature is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 593 publications have been published within this topic receiving 10056 citations.
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Book•
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01 Jan 1989
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a new epistemology based on belief as rational but lawless: Inference to the best explanation: Salvation by Laws? Towards a new Epistemology What if there are no laws? A manifesto.
Abstract: Introduction Part I: Are there laws of nature? What are the laws of nature? Ideal science: David Lewis's account of laws Necessity, worlds, and chance Universals: Laws grounded in nature Part II: Belief as rational but lawless: Inference to the best explanation: Salvation by Laws? Towards a new epistemology What if there are no laws? A manifesto Part III: Symmetry as guide to theory: Introduction to the Semantic approach Symmetry arguments in science and metaphysics Symmetries guiding modern science Part IV: Symmetry and the illusion of logical probability: Indifference: The symmetries of probability Symmetries of probability kinematics Notes Bibliography Index
1,422 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1983TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the problem of accidental uniformities in the regularity theory and show that it is not necessary or sufficient for the existence of natural laws to be necessary or contingent.
Abstract: Acknowledgements Part I. A Critique of the Regularity Theory: 1. Introductory 2. Critique of the regularity theory (1): the problem of accidental uniformities 3. Critique of the regularity theory (2) 4. Critique of the regularity theory (3) Part II. Laws of Nature as Relations Between Universals: 6. Laws of nature as relations between universals 7. Functional laws 8. Unsubstantiated laws 9. Probabilistic laws 10. Further considerations concerning the form of laws 11. Are the laws of nature necessary or contingent? Conclusions Index.
627 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1992
TL;DR: The Social Creation of Nature as mentioned in this paper explores the consequences of conventional understandings of nature, and also seeks a way around the limitations of a socially created nature in order to defend what is actually imperiled.
Abstract: One reason for our failure to "save the earth," argues Neil Evernden, is our disagreement about what "nature" really is-how it works, what constitutes a risk to it, and even whether we ourselves are part of it. Nature is as much a social entity as a physical one. In addition to the physical resources to be harnessed and transformed, it consists of a domain of norms that may be called upon in defense of certain social ideals. In exploring the consequences of conventional understandings of nature, The Social Creation of Nature also seeks a way around the limitations of a socially created nature in order to defend what is actually imperiled-"wildness," in which, Thoreau wrote, lies hope for "the preservation of the world."
385 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1972
TL;DR: In pursuit of an idea: historical perspectives the cunning of unreason mythical, religious, and philosophical roots Francis Bacon the 17th century and after as discussed by the authors, and the liberation of nature.
Abstract: Part 1 In pursuit of an idea: historical perspectives the cunning of unreason mythical, religious, and philosophical roots Francis Bacon the 17th century and after. Part 2 Science, technology, and the domination of nature science and domination science and nature technology and domination the liberation of nature?
379 citations