Philosophy of science and physiology education.
Since the mid-1960s, philosophy of science [particularly that derived from Kuhn's work (The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1962)] has become an informal part of the education of scientists worldwide, including physiologists. However, recent postmodernist developments have enraged a number of scientists, who would like to sever any ties with philosophy of science. The author contends that the perceived conflict is due mainly to a misunderstanding of the implications of constructivist assertions and partially to flawed reasoning in a few constructivist approaches. There is no fundamental conflict that would justify the elimination of philosophy of science from science education.
Refinetti
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Department of Psychology, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187, USA.
D010684:Philosophy; D010827:Physiology / Q000193:education*; D012586:Science / Q000193:education*