Epistemology and Philosophy of Science

In this chapter, two significant connections between epistemology and philosophy of science are discussed: approaches to knowledge in traditional epistemology and in philosophy of science, and the roles played by instruments in the production of scientific knowledge. The author considers, in particular, how these roles can be illuminated by certain forms of epistemological theorizing, such as internalism and externalism. These considerations indicate the significance that internalist and externalist considerations play in the proper formulation of suitable epistemic conditions for scientific instruments. By engaging with this aspect of epistemological reflection, philosophers of science can be provided a better account of the epistemology of instruments, which produce some of the most significant pieces of knowledge in scientific practice. The author concludes that closer connections between epistemology and philosophy of science would be beneficial to both fields.