10 Questions
What is the view of scientific realism towards the concepts described by Science?
They are considered real regardless of how they are represented
Which epistemic view postulates that everything is true?
Naïve realism
According to constructive empiricism, how should science provide a true story of the Universe?
Based only on observable aspects of the Universe
What does instrumentalism view scientific theories as?
Merely instruments for solving problems and making predictions
Which epistemic view argues that unobservable concepts must present undeniable physical evidence to be considered real?
Scientific antirealism
What can reductionism be construed as?
A thesis about ontologies, laws, theories, linguistic expressions, or some combination of these
Why has theoretical pluralism been criticized?
For forfeiting the benefits of examining inter-theoretic relations
How can reductionism be viewed in terms of scientific theories?
As a synchronic relation between two concurrent theories at different levels of description
Why is theoretical pluralism referred to as the 'disunity of science'?
Because it does not promote unity in science
What has been a consequence of theoretical pluralism?
Criticism for forfeiting benefits of examining inter-theoretic relations
Study Notes
Epistemic Views on Science
- Scientific realism views scientific concepts as true descriptions of an objective reality.
Constructive Empiricism
- Constructive empiricism postulates that science should provide a true story of the Universe, but only in terms of observable phenomena.
Instrumentalism
- Instrumentalism views scientific theories as mere instruments for making predictions, rather than descriptions of an objective reality.
Reductionism
- Reductionism can be construed as the idea that complex phenomena can be fully explained by the characteristics of their constituent parts.
- Reductionism can be viewed in terms of scientific theories as the attempt to reduce complex theories to simpler, more fundamental ones.
Theoretical Pluralism
- Theoretical pluralism argues that multiple, incompatible scientific theories can coexist, and that there may not be a single, unified explanation for a phenomenon.
- Theoretical pluralism has been criticized for leading to a fragmented understanding of science, referred to as the 'disunity of science'.
- A consequence of theoretical pluralism has been the proliferation of multiple, seemingly incompatible, scientific theories.
Explore the differences between scientific realism, naive realism, and structural realism in the context of epistemology of science. Learn about the varying views on the nature of scientific theories and the ontology of the Universe.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
