Critical Reasoning and Science ─ Looking at Science With an Investigative Eye

Holowchak (philosophy, Kutztown University) aims to eliminate the feeling of estrangement that students often feel toward science in this brief introduction to critical reasoning and science. The book is divided into two main parts: a critical look at philosophical issues related to science, and a critical look at the practice of science. Since it is assumed that the material covered is new to most readers, it is presented in short modules. Each module includes several history-of-science boxes to give background on the module topic, plus key terms, questions, and practice exercises. Modules on theoretical models, statistical hypotheses, and causal hypotheses use examples from current news stories. Two final modules discuss criteria that may be used to distinguish science from nonscience. Unfortunately, the book's bare-bones, b&w page design does not appeal to the eye, and its dense sections of text may discourage even motivated readers. On the other hand, the low price will appeal to students' budgets. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

M. Andrew Holowchak is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Kutztown University. His research interests are principally in ancient philosophy, philosophy and history of science, Freudian psychoanalysis, critical reasoning, and philosophy of sport. He has published several books-including Critical Reasoning and Science, Happiness and Greek Ethics, Critical Reasoning and Philosophy, Philosophy of Sport: Critical Readings, Crucial Issues, andAncient Science and Dreams: Oneirology in Greco-Roman Antiquity—and numerous articles in professional journals. Professor Holowchak resides in Alburtis, PA, with his wife, Angela.