With inspiration from young Marx, Rein Vihalemm, an important pioneer of the philosophy of chemistry, developed an original account of practical realism as via media between standard scientific realism and anti-realism. In Practical Realist Philosophy of Science, edited by Ave Mets, Endla Lõhkivi, Peeter Müürsepp, and Jaana Eigi-Watkin, these two interrelated themes of Vihalemm’s work are reflected and critically examined by experts on the philosophy of science and its history. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the relations of scientific realism and contemporary pragmatism.

Ilkka Niiniluoto, University of Helsinki

Over the last decades, philosophy of science has become increasingly practice-oriented. Although this development is sometimes described as a specific turn or approach to philosophy of science, it is a many-faceted development with many different roots and instantiations. Using the work of the Estonian philosopher of science Rein Vihalemm as a prism, Practical Realist Philosophy of Science: Reflecting on Rein Vihalemm’s Ideas adds many new dimensions to our understanding of the history and the scope of practice-oriented philosophy and builds important bridges between traditions from different regions. With contributions from many of the key scholars in the field, this volume ought to be on the reading list of any practice-oriented philosophers of science.

Hanne Andersen, Københavns Universitet