AGAINST METHOD

Paul Feyerabend's globally acclaimed work, which sparked and continues to stimul
ate fierce debate, examines the deficiencies of many widespread ideas about scie
ntific progress and the nature of knowledge. Feyerabend argues that scientific a
dvances can only be understood in a historical context. He looks at the way the
philosophy of science has consistently overemphasized practice over method, and
considers the possibility that anarchism could replace rationalism in the theory
of knowledge.

This updated edition of the classic text includes a new introdu
ction by Ian Hacking, one of the most important contemporary philosophers of sci
ence. Hacking reflects on both Feyerabend's life and personality as well as the
broader significance of the book for current discussions.