Includes bibliographical references (p. [281]-287) and index.

Perception and language -- Theories of the mind -- Arithmetic -- How hard can problems get? -- Pure mathematics -- Mechanics and astronomy -- Probability and quantum theory -- Is evolution a theory? -- Against reductionism -- Some final thoughts.

1. Perception and Language; 2. Theories of the Mind; 3. Arithmetic; 4. How Hard can Problems get?; 5. Pure Mathematics; 6. Mechanics and Astronomy; 7. Probability and Quantum Theory; 8. Is Evolution a Theory?; 9. Against Reductionism; 10. Some Final Thoughts

In this wide-ranging book, Brian Davies discusses the basis for scientists' claims to knowledge about the world. He looks at science historically, emphasizing not only the achievements of scientists from Galileo onwards, but also their mistakes. He rejects the claim that all scientific knowledge is provisional, by citing examples from chemistry, biology and geology. A major feature of the book is its defence of the view that mathematics was invented rather than discovered. A large number of examples are used to illustrate these points, and many of the deep issues in today's world discussed - from psychology and evolution to quantum theory, consciousness and even religious belief. Disentangling knowledge from opinion and aspiration is a hard task, but this book provides a clear guide to the difficulties.