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Friedman's Relativised A Priori and Structural Realism: In Search of Compatibility

Ivanova , Milena (2011) Friedman's Relativised A Priori and Structural Realism: In Search of Compatibility. International Studies in the Philosophy of Science , 25.

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Abstract

In this article I discuss a recent argument due to Dan McArthur, who suggests that the charge that Michael Friedman's relativised a priori leads to irrationality in theory change can be avoided by adopting structural realism. I provide several arguments to show that the conjunction of Friedman's relativised a priori with structural realism cannot make the former avoid the charge of irrationality. I also explore the extent to which Friedman's view and structural realism are compatible, a presupposition of McArthur's argument. This compatibility is usually questioned, due to the Kantian aspect of Friedman's view, which clashes with the metaphysical premise of scientific realism. I argue that structural realism does not necessarily depend on this premise and as a consequence can be compatible with Friedman's view, but more importantly I question whether Friedman's view really implies mind dependence.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Ivanova , Milenamilena.ivanova@bristol.ac.uk
Keywords: Michael Friedman, Relativized a Priori, Structural Realism, Scientific Realism, Theory Change
Subjects: General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Structure of Theories
General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User: Dr Milena Ivanova
Date Deposited: 21 Jun 2011 11:22
Last Modified: 21 Jun 2011 11:22
Item ID: 8680
Journal or Publication Title: International Studies in the Philosophy of Science
Publisher: Routledge
Official URL: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~co...
Subjects: General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Structure of Theories
General Issues > Theory Change
Date: March 2011
Volume: 25
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8680

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