Varieties of Scientific Realism Objectivity and Truth in Science [Paperback]

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.

Introduction.- Prologue.- Mario Alai, The Discussions on Scientific Realism Today: The Roles of Objectivity and Truth in Science.- Evandro Agazzi, The Truth of Theories and Scientific Realism.- Realism and Anti-Realism.- Alan Musgrave, Strict Empiricism versus Explanation in Science.- Michel Ghins, Scientific Realism: Representation, Objectivity and Truth.- Marco Buzzoni, Robustness and Scientific Realism.- Thomas Nickles, The Temptations of Scientific Realism: Cognitive Illusions, Objections, and Replies.- Gerhard Vollmer, Why do Theories Fail? An argument for realism.- Recent Conceptions of Scientific Realism.- Stathis Psillos, Scientific Realism and the neo-Aristotelian Conception of Nature.- James Ladyman, On Structural Realism.- Steven French, Realism and the Toolbox of Metaphysics.- Craig Dilworth, The Perspectivist View of Science and Scientific Realism.- Scientific Realism in Empirical Science.- Dennis Dieks, Realism and Objectivity in Quantum Mechanics.- Roland Olã$