A Metaphysics for Scientific Realism

Knowing the Unobservable

AvAnjan Chakravartty

Häftad, Engelska, 2010

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Beskrivning

Scientific realism is the view that our best scientific theories give approximately true descriptions of both observable and unobservable aspects of a mind-independent world. Debates between realists and their critics are at the very heart of the philosophy of science. Anjan Chakravartty traces the contemporary evolution of realism by examining the most promising strategies adopted by its proponents in response to the forceful challenges of antirealist sceptics, resulting in a positive proposal for scientific realism today. He examines the core principles of the realist position, and sheds light on topics including the varieties of metaphysical commitment required, and the nature of the conflict between realism and its empiricist rivals. By illuminating the connections between realist interpretations of scientific knowledge and the metaphysical foundations supporting them, his book offers a compelling vision of how realism can provide an internally consistent and coherent account of scientific knowledge.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2010-02-11
Mått:152 x 229 x 16 mm
Vikt:400 g
Format:Häftad
Språk:Engelska
Antal sidor:272
Förlag:Cambridge University Press
ISBN:9780521130097
Utmärkelser:Canadian Philosophical Association biennial Book Prize 2009

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Mer om författaren

Anjan Chakravartty is Assistant Professor at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science, Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto.

Recensioner i media

“The level of ambition is high, and in my opinion Chakravartty achieves what he aims at….Regardless of whether one is ultimately persuaded by the arguments presented in this book, it is a must-buy for anyone who is serious about the realist/anti-realist debate, as well as for anyone interested in the issue of the metaphysics of science.” --Jacob Busch, University of St Andrews, The Philosophical Quarterly

Innehållsförteckning

Part I. Scientific Realism Today: 1. Realism and antirealism, metaphysics and empiricism; 2. Selective scepticism: entity realism, structural realism, semirealism; 3. Properties, particulars and concrete structures; Part II. Metaphysical Foundations: 4. Causal realism and causal processes; 5. Dispositions, property identity and laws of nature; 6. Sociability: natural and scientific kinds; Part III. Theory Meets World: 7. Representing and describing: theories and models; 8. Approximate truths about approximate truth.