Beauty and Revolution in Science

The first systematic study of the aesthetic evaluations that scientists pass on their theories.

James W. McAllister is University Lecturer in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Leiden.

This is a great book. It clearly and concisely does what it sets out to do: it examines the basic philosophical and sociological theories of the role of aesthetics in science, it identifies the critical assumptions and contradictions that differentiate these views, and it provides a carefully reasoned, well-documented and novel approach to the issues. Best of all, the book is eminently readable. Anyone interested in the bases of scientific controversies, the nature of scientific revolutions, or the similarities and differences between the sciences and the arts should definitely read McAllister's book. It may prove to be as fundamental as Thomas S. Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions.

A valuable, important, persuasively argued book. Highly recommended.

Marx W. Wartofsky, Baruch College:

An outstanding contribution to a little developed aspect of the philosophy and history of science.