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Agazzi E. (ed.). Varieties of Scientific Realism: Objectivity and Truth in Science. Springer,2017. — 411 pp.. 2017

This book offers a comprehensive update on the scientific realism debate, enabling readers to gain a novel appreciation of the role of objectivity and truth in science and to understand fully the various ways in which antirealist conceptions have been subjected to challenge over recent decades. Authoritative representatives of different philosophical traditions explain their perspectives on the meaning and validity of scientific realism and describe the strategies being adopted to counter persisting antirealist positions. The coverage extends beyond the usual discussion of realism within the context of the natural sciences, and especially physics, to encompass also its applicability in mathematics, logic, and the human sciences. The book will appeal to all with an interest in the recent realist epistemologies of science, the nature of current philosophical debate, and the ongoing rehabilitation of truth as the legitimate goal of scientific research.

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Contents
Introduction: The Conceptual Knots of the Realism Debate
Evandro Agazzi
The Concept of Cognition
Representations
The Error
The Role of Reason
Receptivity
Transcendentalism
The Realm of Science
The Content of This Volume
References
The Debates on Scientific Realism Today: Knowledge and Objectivity in Science
Mario Alai
Abstract
Knowledge, Objectivity, and the Earlier Debates on Scientific Realism
The Empirical Underdetermination of Theories
Explanation and Theoretical Virtues
The No Miracles Argument
Indirect but Theory-Free Observation
The Historical Objections to Realism
Resisting the Historical Objections: The Discontinuity Strategy
Resisting the Historical Objections: The Selective Strategy
The Objectivity Question
References
The Truth of Theories and Scientific Realism
Evandro Agazzi
Abstract
Introduction
Modern Natural Science
Contemporary Science
Objectivity as a Replacement of Truth in Science[12]
A Deeper Notion of Scientific Object
Sense and Reference
The Referential Nature of Truth
The Regional Ontologies
Truth as Warrant for Existence
References
Part I Realism and Antirealism
Strict Empiricism Versus Explanation in Science
Alan Musgrave
Abstract
Explanations of Phenomena and Strict Empiricism
Three Historical Cases of Surrealism
Constructive Empiricism and Other Contemporary Surrealisms
Inference to the Best Explanation
The Miracle Argument
Is Any Theory Empirically Adequate?
Stanford’s Antirealist Explanation of the Success of Science
Laudan’s Historical Critique
Partial Truth Versus Verisimilitude
Novelty and Why Some Success Is not Surprising
References
Misdirection and Misconception in the Scientific Realism Debates
Bas C. van Fraassen
Abstract
Do Electrons Exist? that is not the Question
What is Scientific Realism?
Straw Men and Windmills
Realists’ Retreat on Inference to the Best Explanation
How Should We Approach the Question What is Science?
Selective Scientific Realism: Representation, Objectivity and Truth
Michel Ghins
Abstract
Representation
Objectivity
Truth
Scientific Realism
The Parallelism with Ordinary Experience
Causal Link and Causal Law
Conclusion
References
Robustness, Intersubjective Reproducibility, and Scientific Realism
Marco Buzzoni
Abstract
Introduction
Two Senses of Robustness and Hacking’s Scientific Realism
Robustness and Hacking’s Scientific Realism
Robustness, Intersubjective Reproducibility, and Scientific Realism
The Independence Condition for Robustness and the Spiral Synergy of Robustness-as-Stability and Robustness-as-Consilience
Conclusion
References
Cognitive Illusions and Nonrealism: Objections and Replies
Thomas Nickles
Abstract
Are Strong Scientific Realists Tempted by Cognitive Illusions?
Objections to the Nonrealist—and Replies
References
Why Do Theories Fail? The Best Argument for Realism
Gerhard Vollmer
Abstract
Introduction
Facets of Realism
Arguments for Realism
Finally: The Best Argument for Realism
Extinction as an Argument for the Effectiveness of Natural Selection
References
The Epistemological Problem of the Objectivity of Knowledge
Fabio Minazzi
Abstract
Object and Objective
The Problem of Knowledge in the Western Tradition
Objective Knowledge According to Kantian Criticism
Can Objectivity Exist Without Objects?
Agazzi: Scientific Objectivity and Its Contexts
Logical Neo-realism and the Problem of Objectivity, Between Husserl and Socrates
References
Part II Recent Conceptions of Scientific Realism
Scientific Realism and the Mind-Independence of the World
Stathis Psillos
The characterization of some philosophical view concerning a particular topic as realistic has substance only by contrast with an opposing view that has been maintained or is at least imaginable. Michael Dummett
Abstract
Introduction
Berkeley’s Idealism
Verificationist Anti-realism
The Possibility of Divergence
Against Verificationist Scientific Realism
References
Structural Realism and the Toolbox of Metaphysics
Steven French
Abstract
Introduction
Exemplar-Driven Realism
Metaphysics as a Tool for the Realist
Symmetries, Structure and Determinables
Conclusion
References
Retention, Truth-Content and Selective Realism
Alberto Cordero
Abstract
Part 1
Introduction
Content Minimalism
Selectivism Without Minimalism
Part 2
A Naturalist Generalization
Confirmational Strategy 1
Two Additional Confirmational Strategies
Realism About What?
Concluding Remarks
References
A Scheme-Interpretationist and Actionistic Scientific Realism
Hans Lenk
Abstract
A Kaleidoscopic Relational Reality
“Grasping” in Perspectives and Interpretations
Indirect Realism as Resistance
“Grasping” Is Interpretation-Laden
Action, Interaction, and Deep Socio-Genic Impact
Resistances in Ropes and Nets but Without a Rigid Fix-Point
References
Part III Scientific Realism in Particular Sciences
Semantic Definition of Truth, Empirical Theories and Scientific Realism
Jan Wolenski
Abstract
Introduction
General Remarks on Theories, Truth and Scientific Realism
Semantic Definition of Truth
Semantic Theory of Truth as a Correspondence Theory
Semantic Definition of Truthand Empirical Theories
Semantic Models as Mediators
Semantic Models and Reality
Semantic of Empirical Theories via (SDTE) and Scientific Realism
References
Underdetermination, Realism and Objectivity in Quantum Mechanics
Dennis Dieks
Abstract
Introduction: Underdetermination and Empirical Equivalence
The Standard Arguments Against Empirical Equivalence
Quantum Mechanics, Instrumentalism and Empirical Equivalence
Realist Interpretations of Non-collapse Quantum Mechanics
Empirical Equivalence of Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
Comparison with the Arguments of Laudan and Leplin
Conclusion: Underdetermination in Quantum Mechanics
References
Is Uniqueness of Reality Predicted by the Quantum Laws?
Roland Omnes
Abstract
Introduction
The Notion of Local Entanglement
On the Environment of a Quantum System and an Associated Form of Incoherence
The Notion of Slip in Coherence
The Mechanism of Wave Function Collapse
Some Philosophical Comments
References
Theories and Models: Realism and Objectivity in Cognitive Science
Jean-Guy Meunier
Abstract
Scientific Realism, Theories and Models
Theories and Models in Sciences
Theories and Models in Cognitive Science
Three Classes of Models
Conclusion
References
Realism as the Methodological Strategy in the Cognitive Science
V.A. Lektorski
Abstract
Introduction
The Psychological Justification of Anti-realism
Other Unusual Problems Arosen in Scientific Psychology
Cognition and Action
Illusion and Reality
Reality and Artificial World
References
Causation and Scientific Realism: Mechanisms and Powers without Essentialism
Amparo Gomez
Abstract
Introduction
Causality: Mechanisms Versus Laws
Mechanisms
Properties
Powers
Natural Kinds Without Essentialism
Conclusion
References
Objectivity in Mathematics: The Structuralist Roots of a Pragmatic Realism
Gerhard Heinzmann
Abstract
From Objects to Structures
Bourbaki’s Hypothetico-Deductive Structuralism
Some Difficulties of Contemporary Structuralism
Conclusion
References
Mathematical Truth Revisited: Mathematics as a Toolbox
Reinhard Kahle
Abstract
Introduction
Truth in Mathematics
Mathematical Structures as Tools
Final Remarks
References
Index of Names

Books and textbooks on the discipline Philosophy of Science and Technology:

  1. Allen B.. Empiricisms: Experience and Experiment from Antiquity to the Anthropocene. Oxford University Press,2021. — 527 p. - 2021 ãîä
  2. Alger Bradley E.. Defense of the Scientific Hypothesis: From Reproducibility Crisis to Big Data. Oxford University Press,2020. — 449 p. - 2020 ãîä
  3. Achinstein P.. Speculation: Within and about Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press,2019. — 297 p. - 2019 ãîä
  4. Aguirre A., Foster B., Merali Z. (Eds.). What is Fundamental? Springer,2019. — 189 p. - 2019 ãîä
  5. Alai M., Buzzoni M., Tarozzi G. (eds.). Science Between Truth and Ethical Responsibility: Evandro Agazzi in the Contemporary Scientific and Philosophical Debate. Springer,2015. — 337 pp. - 2015 ãîä
  6. Ackermann R.J.. Data, Instruments, and Theory: A Dialectical Approach to Understanding Science. Princeton: Princeton University Press,2014. — 230 p. - 2014 ãîä
  7. Achinstein P.. Evidence, Explanation, and Realism: Essays in Philosophy of Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press,2010. — 344 p. - 2010 ãîä
  8. Allhoff F.. Philosophies of the Sciences: A Guide. N.-Y.: Wiley-Blackwell,2010. — 386 p. - 2010 ãîä
  9. Agassi Joseph. Science in Flux. Springer,1975. — 559 p. - 1975 ãîä
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