Background
Mario Augusto Bunge was born on September 21, 1919, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the son of Augusto and Marie (Mueser) Bunge.
La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
National University of La Plata
University of Buenos Aires
McGill University
("I regard it as a truly seminal work in this field." — Pr...)
"I regard it as a truly seminal work in this field." — Professor William A. Wallace, author of Causality and Scientific Explanation This third edition of a distinguished book on the subject of causality is clear evidence that this principle continues to be an important area of philosophic enquiry. Non-technical and clearly written, this book focuses on the ontological problem of causality, with specific emphasis on the place of the causal principle in modern science. The author first defines the terminology employed and describes various formulations on the causal principle. He then examines the two primary critiques of causality, the empiricist and the romantic, as a prelude to the detailed explanation of the actual assertions of causal determination. Finally, Dr. Bunge analyzes the function of the causal principle in science, touching on such subjects as scientific law, scientific explanation, and scientific prediction. Included, also, is an appendix that offers specific replies to questions and criticisms raised upon the publication of the first edition. Now professor of philosophy and head of the Foundation and Philosophy of Science Unit at McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Mario Bunge has formerly been a full professor of theoretical physics. His observations on causality are of great interest to both scientists and humanists, as well as the general scientific and philosophic reader. "I regard it as a truly seminal work in this field." — Professor William A. Wallace, author of Causality and Scientific Explanation This third edition of a distinguished book on the subject of causality is clear evidence that this principle continues to be an important area of philosophic enquiry. Non-technical and clearly written, this book focuses on the ontological problem of causality, with specific emphasis on the place of the causal principle in modern science. The author first defines the terminology employed and describes various formulations on the causal principle. He then examines the two primary critiques of causality, the empiricist and the romantic, as a prelude to the detailed explanation of the actual assertions of causal determination. Finally, Dr. Bunge analyzes the function of the causal principle in science, touching on such subjects as scientific law, scientific explanation, and scientific prediction. Included, also, is an appendix that offers specific replies to questions and criticisms raised upon the publication of the first edition. Now professor of philosophy and head of the Foundation and Philosophy of Science Unit at McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Mario Bunge has formerly been a full professor of theoretical physics. His observations on causality are of great interest to both scientists and humanists, as well as the general scientific and philosophic reader. "I regard it as a truly seminal work in this field." — Professor William A. Wallace, author of Causality and Scientific Explanation This third edition of a distinguished book on the subject of causality is clear evidence that this principle continues to be an important area of philosophic enquiry. Non-technical and clearly written, this book focuses on the ontological problem of causality, with specific emphasis on the place of the causal principle in modern science. The author first defines the terminology employed and describes various formulations on the causal principle. He then examines the two primary critiques of causality, the empiricist and the romantic, as a prelude to the detailed explanation of the actual assertions of causal determination. Finally, Dr. Bunge analyzes the function of the causal principle in science, touching on such subjects as scientific law, scientific explanation, and scientific prediction. Included, also, is an appendix that offers specific replies to questions and criticisms raised upon the publication of the first edition. Now professor of philosophy and head of the Foundation and Philosophy of Science Unit at McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Mario Bunge has formerly been a full professor of theoretical physics. His observations on causality are of great interest to both scientists and humanists, as well as the general scientific and philosophic reader.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486237281/?tag=2022091-20
1959
(Originally published as Scientific Research, this pair of...)
Originally published as Scientific Research, this pair of volumes constitutes a fundamental treatise on the strategy of science. Mario Bunge, one of the major figures of the century in the development of a scientific epistemology, describes and analyzes scientific philosophy, as well as discloses its philosophical presuppositions. This work may be used as a map to identify the various stages in the road to scientific knowledge. Philosophy of Science is divided into two volumes, each with two parts. Part 1 offers a preview of the scheme of science and the logical and semantical took that will be used throughout the work. The account of scientific research begins with part 2, where Bunge discusses formulating the problem to be solved, hypothesis, scientific law, and theory. The second volume opens with part 3, which deals with the application of theories to explanation, prediction, and action. This section is graced by an outstanding discussion of the philosophy of technology. Part 4 begins with measurement and experiment. It then examines risks in jumping to conclusions from data to hypotheses as well as the converse procedure. Bunge begins this mammoth work with a section entitled "How to Use This Book." He writes that it is intended for both independent reading and reference as well as for use in courses on scientific method and the philosophy of science. It suits a variety of purposes from introductory to advanced levels. Philosophy of Science is a versatile, informative, and useful text that will benefit professors, researchers, and students in a variety of disciplines, ranging from the behavioral and biological sciences to the physical sciences.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076580414X/?tag=2022091-20
1998
(Mario Bunge, author of the monumental Treatise on Basic P...)
Mario Bunge, author of the monumental Treatise on Basic Philosophy, is widely renowned as a philosopher of science. In this new and ambitious work he shifts his attention to the social sciences and the social technologies. He considers a number of disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, law, history, and management science. Bunge contends that social science research has fallen prey to a postmodern fascination with irrationalism and relativism. He urges social scientists to re-examine the philosophy and the methodology at the base of their discipline. Bunge calls for objective and relevant fact-finding, rigorous theorizing, and empirical testing, as well as morally sensitive and socially responsible policy design.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802083579/?tag=2022091-20
1998
(This lexicon of modern Western philosophical concepts, pr...)
This lexicon of modern Western philosophical concepts, problems, principles, and theories may well be the shortest dictionary of philosophy in the English language, but one of the most useful. Organized by internationally recognized philosopher Mario Bunge, this indispensable volume, directed to general and university audiences, elucidates and evaluates many contemporary philosophical ideas from a humanist and scientifically oriented perspective. From A to Z, most entries are brief and nontechnical in nature, highlighting useful philosophical terms rather than trendy ones. Placing emphasis on "living" philosophy, Bunge has deliberately excluded many of the archaic terms and philosophical curios of other dictionaries. He has incorporated a number of "minipapers," or longer definitions of some terms, and he critically analyzes such influential doctrines as existentialism, phenomenology, idealism, materialism, pragmatism, deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and many others. Constructive alternatives are offered to all philosophical approaches criticized. This is a superb reference work for both students and professional philosophers.
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2003
(Most social scientists and philosophers claim that sociol...)
Most social scientists and philosophers claim that sociology and philosophy are disjoint fields of inquiry. Some have wondered how to trace the precise boundary between them. Mario Bunge argues that the two fields are so entangled with one another that no demarcation is possible or, indeed, desirable. In fact, sociological research has demonstrably philosophical pre-suppositions. In turn, some findings of sociology are bound to correct or enrich the philosophical theories that deal with the world, our knowledge of it, or the ways of acting upon it. While Bunge’s thesis would hardly have shocked Mill, Marx, Durkheim, or Weber, it is alien to the current sociological mainstream and dominant philosophical schools. Bunge demonstrates that philosophical problematics arise in social science research. A fertile philosophy of social science unearths critical presuppositions, analyzes key concepts, refines effective research strategies, crafts coherent and realistic syntheses, and identifies important new problems. Bunge examines Marx’s and Durkheim’s thesis that social facts are as objective as physical facts; the so-called Thomas theorem that refutes the behaviorist thesis that social agents react to social stimuli rather than to the way we perceive them; and Merton’s thesis on the ethos of basic science which shows that science and morality are intertwined. He considers selected philosophical problems raised by contemporary social studies and argues forcefully against tolerance of shabby work in academic social science and philosophy alike.
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2012
(Chasing Reality deals with the controversies over the rea...)
Chasing Reality deals with the controversies over the reality of the external world. Distinguished philosopher Mario Bunge offers an extended defence of realism, a critique of various forms of contemporary anti-realism, and a sketch of his own version of realism, namely hylorealism. Bunge examines the main varieties of antirealism - Berkeley's, Hume's, and Kant's; positivism, phenomenology, and constructivism - and argues that all of these in fact hinder scientific research. Bunge's realist contention is that genuine explanations in the sciences appeal to causal laws and mechanisms that are not directly observable, rather than simply to empirical generalisations. Genuine science, in his view, is objective even when it deals with subjective phenomena such as feelings of fear. This work defends a realist view of universals, kinds, possibilities, and dispositions, while rejecting contemporary accounts of these that are couched in terms of modal logic and 'possible worlds.'
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442628227/?tag=2022091-20
2014
(This book deals with the scientific viewpoint, which is i...)
This book deals with the scientific viewpoint, which is illustrated here through a number of topical cases in modern science, from gravitational waves to mental disorders to social policies. The scientific perspective involves rationality, realism, and reismthe thesis that the universe is composed of concrete things like atoms, force fields, people, and social organizations. The book shows that the scientific worldview underlies all current scientific and technological research projects. It also claims that any subject involving knowledge can be approached scientifically, and contends that the scientific viewpoint can trump both dogma and improvisationthe standbys of amateurs and demagogues.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1527508641/?tag=2022091-20
2018
(The prolific and indefatigable Mario Bunge has been writi...)
The prolific and indefatigable Mario Bunge has been writing books and articles on almost every facet of philosophy for nearly fifty years. At a time when much contemporary philosophy is mired in obfuscating jargon and devoid of purpose, Bunge's clarity of thought and expression, as well as his commitment to serious philosophical issues, stand out in sharp relief. Because of the sheer size of his published works, which include the monumental eight-volume Treatise on Basic Philosophy (1974-1989), there is a need for a relatively concise volume that provides a panorama of the philosophical system that Bunge has developed. Martin Mahner has admirably filled this need with this thoughtful selection of thirty articles which illustrate most aspects of Bunge's philosophy. The subject areas include metaphysics; epistemology and methodology; moral, social, and political philosophy; and the philosophy of mathematics, physics, psychology, social science, and technology. Spanning the years 1954 to 1999, the selections, including both well-known and wholly new articles, demonstrate the range of Bunge's thought and his systematic approach anchored in scientific realism.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WQ01BS/?tag=2022091-20
2018
educator philosopher physicist author
Mario Augusto Bunge was born on September 21, 1919, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the son of Augusto and Marie (Mueser) Bunge.
Bunge received his education at the National University of La Plata, graduating with a doctorate in physico-mathematical sciences in 1952.
During his career, Bunge has been distinguished with twenty-one honorary doctorates and four honorary professorships by universities from both the Americas and Europe.
Bunge started his career as a professor of theoretical physics and philosophy first at La Plata then at the University of Buenos Aires from 1956 to 1966. In 1966, he went to McGill University in Montreal, where he held the position of Frothingham Professor of Logic and Metaphysics, until his recent retirement at the age of 90.
(This lexicon of modern Western philosophical concepts, pr...)
2003(This book deals with the scientific viewpoint, which is i...)
2018(The prolific and indefatigable Mario Bunge has been writi...)
2018(Originally published as Scientific Research, this pair of...)
1998(Mario Bunge, author of the monumental Treatise on Basic P...)
1998(Most social scientists and philosophers claim that sociol...)
2012(Chasing Reality deals with the controversies over the rea...)
2014("I regard it as a truly seminal work in this field." — Pr...)
1959His thinking embodies global systemism, emergentism, rationalism, scientific realism, materialism and consequentialism. Bunge has repeatedly and explicitly denied being a logical positivist and has written on metaphysics.
Bunge is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the Royal Society of Canada.
Bunge was married to Julia D. Molina у Vedia. However, the marriage ended in a divorce. He then married Marta Cavallo in 1959. The couple has 4 children: Carlos, Mario A. J., Eric and Silvia.