The Rise of Logical Empiricist Philosophy of Science and the Fate of Speculative Philosophy of Science

This article contributes to explaining the rise of logical empiricism in mid-twentieth century (North) America and a better understanding American philosophy science before dominance empiricism. We show that, contrary number existing histories, was already distinct subfield philosophy, one with its own approaches issues, even empiricists arrived America. It form speculative concern for metaphysics, normative issues relating society, that later were associated empiricist science, such as confirmation, scientific explanation, reductionism, laws nature. Further, not primarily pragmatist orientation. also show, help our historical characterization, recent account emergence analytic applies has been argued is partly explained by philosophers’ use key institutions, including journals, marginalize promote philosophy. argue this institutions included marginalization value-laden promotion