Skip to main content

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Philosophy ((BRIEFSPHILOSOPH))

  • 1542 Accesses

Abstract

In order to make a new contribution to his field of knowledge, the researcher will need to identify a significant problem within his chosen field, a choice that may have profound career implications. Identify a problem which is of an appropriate scope—neither too safe, nor too ambitious—and which is likely to have a solution.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Kuhn T (1996) The structure of scientific revolutions. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, p 47 (It could be argued that this is essential reading for any researcher. In this highly readable book Kuhn introduces the concept of the scientific paradigm that has been so influential within and outside the world of science. Chapters II and III provide clear introductions to the ways paradigms may change, and to the nature of “normal” science.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Laudan L (1986) Progress and its problems. University of California Press, Berkeley, p 11

    Google Scholar 

  • Medawar P (1979) Advice to a young scientist. Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Series, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Popper KR (1974) Conjectures and refutations. Routledge and Kegan Paul, New York, p 129 (Popper’s writing is refreshingly lucid, but demands a willingness to accommodate references to the whole of the Western philosophical tradition. Nevertheless, most of the essays in this collection are highly accessible to the general reader.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Toulmin S (1969) The uses of argument. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter Truran .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Truran, P. (2013). What’s the Problem?. In: Practical Applications of the Philosophy of Science. SpringerBriefs in Philosophy. Springer, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00452-5_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics