A Metaphysics for Scientific Realism: Knowing the Unobservable - Softcover

Chakravartty, Anjan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521130093 ISBN 13: 9780521130097

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description

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. His book offers a compelling vision of how realism can provide an internally consistent and coherent account of scientific knowledge.

About the Author

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521130093
• ISBN 13: 9780521130097
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272