Motivational Realism: The Natural Classification for Pierre Duhem

Darling, Karen Merikangas (2002) Motivational Realism: The Natural Classification for Pierre Duhem.

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Abstract

This paper addresses a central interpretive problem in understanding Pierre Duhem`s philosophy of science. The problem arises because there is textual support for both realist and antirealist readings of his work. I argue that his realist and antirealist claims are different. For Duhem, scientific reasoning leads straight to antirealism. But intuition (reasons of the heart) motivates, without justifying, a kind of realism. I develop this idea to suggest a motivational realist interpretation of Duhem`s philosophy.

Keywords:Realism/Anti-Realism, Philosophers of Science, History of Philosophy of Science, General Philosophy of Science
Conferences and Volumes:[2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002): PSA 2002 Contributed Papers
ID Code:1061
Deposited By:Program Committee,
Deposited On:23 March 2003