In Vienna in the 1920s, a group of brilliant philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists – with leaders such as Moritz Schlick, Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap, and Hans Hahn – gathered to discuss the foundations of science and mathematics. Known as the Vienna Circle, they proposed to practice philosophy in continuity with science. Their movement became known as Logical Empiricism.

In this particularly interesting book, Sahotra Sarkar narrates the hundred-year history of Logical Empiricism, from its inception in 1924 to its legacy today. He explains how its ideas, influenced by revolutionary theories of space, time, and causality of that period, led to a quest for a unified theory of science. He shows how their commitment to logic and objectivity provided a powerful political antidote to Nazi racism and obscurantism. He traces the decline of the movement, after the removal of many of its members, who had taken refuge in the United States during World War II and were subjected to surveillance and harassment due to alleged communist sympathies. He argues that the movement's ideas remain relevant today.

An outstanding work that captures one of the most significant intellectual movements of the twentieth century, The Vienna Circle: The History of Logical Empiricism will be valuable for anyone interested in philosophy, history, and the history of science.

Pages: 226,
Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm