The principles of science

Name: The principles of science
Author: William Stanley Jevons

By William Stanley Jevons

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About This Book

The work offers a systematic account of formal logic and scientific method, opening with the fundamental laws of thought, the principle of substitution, and a combinational view of logical processes. It presents mechanical and symbolic means for representing logical relations and develops probability theory—highlighting the inverse method—as the proper framework for inductive inference, treating induction as inverse deduction. It addresses quantitative practice including measurement, error elimination, probable means, and a theory of approximation. Finally, it examines experiment, observation, hypothesis formation, and verification, emphasizing how hypothesis-driven deduction combined with careful quantitative testing yields reliable scientific laws.

About the Author

William Stanley Jevons

William Stanley Jevons was an influential English economist and logician, known for his contributions to the field of political economy and the philosophy of science. His notable works include "Political Economy," where he explored the principles governing economic behavior, and "The Principles of Science," which examined the foundations of scientific reasoning. Jevons is recognized for his development of the marginal utility theory, which significantly impacted economic thought. His interdisciplinary approach combined economics with logic and philosophy, making him a key figure in the evolution of modern economic theory.