Description: This book exhibits deep philosophical quandaries and intricacies of the historical development of science lying behind a simple item of common sense in modern science: the composition of water as H2O. It offers a unique new advocacy for pluralism in science.
Review Quotes:
From the reviews:
"The present book is Hasok Chang's second book in History and Philosophy of Science. ... he takes the example of the discovery of the formula H2O for water. ... The jury were very impressed by the overall quality of the book. Excellent scholarly research underpins the historical part of the book, and Hasok Chang develops his philosophical theses with clear and rigorous argumentation. ... book will be much discussed in the coming years, and become a central text in the history and philosophy of science." (Fernando Gil International Prize, fernando-gil.org.pt, February, 2014)
"This book is an exemplary instance of a welcome contemporary trend to produce work that self-consciously attempts to integrate history and philosophy of science. ... The history is detailed, acute and informative and the philosophical views defended are challenging. The book is valuable and well worth reading both by those professionally involved in history and philosophy of scienceand more widely." (Alan Chalmers, Science & Education, October, 2012)