The Ozone Layer A Philosophy of Science Perspective

The Ozone Layer: A Philosophy of Science Perspective provides the first thorough and accessible history of stratospheric ozone, from the discovery of ozone in the nineteenth century to current investigations of the Antarctic ozone hole. Drawing directly on the extensive scientific literature, Christie uses the story of ozone as a case study for examining fundamental issues relating to the collection and evaluation of evidence, the conduct of scientific debate and the construction of scientific consensus. By linking key debates in the philosophy of science to an example of real-world science, the author not only provides an excellent introduction to the philosophy of science but also challenges many of its preconceptions. This accessible book will interest students and academics concerned with the history, philosophy and sociology of science, as well as having general appeal on this topic of contemporary relevance and concern.

1. Introduction; Part I. History of the Understanding of Stratospheric Ozone: 2. Stratospheric ozone before 1960; 3. Chlorinated fluorocarbons; 4. The supersonic transport (SST) debate; 5. Molina and Rowland: chlorine enters the story; 6. Too much of a good thing? Crucial data backlog in the Antarctic ozone hole discovery; 7. Antarctic ozone hole - theories and investigations; 8. Completing the picture: from AAOE to 1994; Part II. Philosophical Issues Arising from the History: 9. Prediction in science; 10. The crucial experiment; 11. Positive and negative evidence in theory selection; 12. Branches and sub-branches of science: problems at disciplinary boundaries; 13. Scientific evidence and powerful computers: new problems for philosophers of science?; 14. The scientific consensus.