About “Against Method”
Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge is a 1975 book by Paul Feyerabend that presents an argument against traditional views of scientific method. The author claims that science is not a structured or rule-bound process but an anarchic one. In this context, anarchy refers to epistemological anarchy, meaning that knowledge is produced without adherence to fixed rules or methods. Feyerabend challenges the idea that science follows a single, standardized approach, suggesting instead that it thrives through diverse and often conflicting practices. The book critiques the notion of a universal scientific method and emphasizes the importance of flexibility and openness in the pursuit of knowledge.
Praise for “Against Method”
“A devastating attack on the claims of philosophy to legislate for scientific practice.”
“A brilliant polemic.”
“Since it was first published in 1975, Against Method has followed Popper’s The Logic of Scientific Discovery and Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions into becoming a classic text in the debate about scientific methodology and scientific reasoning.”
Book details
- Published
- 1975
- Latest edition
- 2010 · ISBN 9781844674428
- ISBN
- 9781844674428
View more editions (7)
| Cover | Edition | Year | ISBN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Against Method | 2010 | 9781844674428 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Against method | 1996 | 086091481X | Buy on Amazon |
| | Against method | 1988 | 0860912221 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Against method | 1978 | 0902308912 | Buy on Amazon |
| Against method | 1975 | 039100381X | Buy on Amazon | |
| Against method | 1975 | 0902308912 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Against Method | — | 086091934X | Buy on Amazon |
Frequently asked questions
How many pages is Against Method?
Against Method by Paul K. Feyerabend has 296 pages.
More by Paul K. Feyerabend
Book descriptions, author biographies, award records and review quotes on this page are courtesy of Penguin Random House.