Instrumental Realism: The Interface between Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Technology

by Don Ihde

"Ihde is perhaps uniquely situated to provide authoritative accounts of such diverse philosophical traditions as those involved in current explorations of the technology of scientific instruments. . . . Ihde's book breaks new ground and . . . makes an important debate accessible." ―Robert Ackermann

Instrumental Realism has three principal to advocate a "praxis-perception" approach to the philosophy of science; to explore ways in which such an approach offers a mutually illuminating overlap with a philosophy of technology; and to examine comparatively and critically the work of some who advocate an "instrumental realist" approach to the philosophy of science.

Genres: Philosophy, Science

Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

About the author

Don Ihde is an American philosopher of science and technology. In 1979 he wrote what is often identified as the first North American work on philosophy of technology, Technics and Praxis. Before his retirement, Don Ihde was Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Reviews

[Jerrid Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice summary of the philosophy of science and the turn away from positivism with clear connections to the ways technology mediates scientific progress. The phrase of the title is a bit misleading as the “instrumental” seems to refer to technological tools rather than the utility of ideas. Yet, many parallels exist. Provided me with many interesting insights about the role of technology education vs. science education, but these were not directly addressed in the book, nor should they have been. These ideas were a product of my own reflection on the content of the book and the potential implications for my own field (science education).