Should Scientists Embrace Scientific Realism or Antirealism?

Philosophical Forum 50 (1):147-158 (2019)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

If scientists embrace scientific realism, they can use a scientific theory to explain and predict observables and unobservables. If, however, they embrace scientific antirealism, they cannot use a scientific theory to explain observables and unobservables, and cannot use a scientific theory to predict unobservables. Given that explanation and prediction are means to make scientific progress, scientists can make more scientific progress, if they embrace scientific realism than if they embrace scientific antirealism.

Author's Profile

Seungbae Park
Ulsan National Institute Of Science And Technology

Analytics

Added to PP
2017-08-02

Downloads
2,021 (#3,872)

6 months
327 (#5,158)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?