The Empirical Stance Bas C. van Fraassen

?This work argues powerfully for a radical redirection of much contemporary thinking in epistemology and other important topics. It should force all of us to rethink the nature of analytic philosophy.??Paul Teller, author of An Interpretive Introduction to Quantum Field Theory

?In this collection of five lectures, Bas van Fraassen attempts to answer a number of questions regarding the nature of empiricism, scientific inquiry, and theoretical revolution. . . . As an analytic philosopher, van Fraassen offers a unique perspective on these issues. His lectures are a pleasure to read and are accessible by the non-philosopher. Throughout the lectures, he is careful to incorporate extensive analogies with religion, Scripture, rationality, science, and various other topics in the history of philosophy. In addition to a comprehensive set of bibliographic Notes, van Fraassen has also included an extensive set of Appendices that offer additional insights and clarification. These supplemental materials are a delight for the reader who wishes to get more details and to pursue further study.??James Sage, Amazon.com

?This manuscript cuts a wide swath and deals with its topics in such an engaging way that it is difficult to imagine any philosopher who would not find it worthwhile reading. . . . What we have in The Empirical Stance is an elegant encapsulation of van Fraassen?s latest thinking on topics of breadth and significance, an encapsulation which offers keen insights and carefully considered arguments and is presented with both passion and lucidity. Clearly, this book is an invaluable piece of philosophy.??Alicia Finch, American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly

?The arguments are always nontechnical and clear, and the discussion forceful. For upper-division undergraduates through faculty.??Choice

?No philosophical reader will fail to be engaged throughout.??Bruce Hunter, Philosophy in Review

?In The Empirical Stance, van Fraassen, the most influential empiricist of recent decades, combines a penetrating discussion of empiricism in science and philosophy with a sympathetic discussion of religion. . . . [An] eloquent examination of empiricism and religion.??Paul Thagard, Science

?The Empirical Stance offers insightful criticism and valuable proposals while remaining extraordinarily broad in scope. It would serve well as a sophisticated but accessible resource.??Religious Studies Review