Ramsey-Sentence Realism as an Answer to the Pessimistic Meta-Induction
Newman, Mark (2004) Ramsey-Sentence Realism as an Answer to the Pessimistic Meta-Induction. In [2004] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 19th Biennial Meeting - PSA2004: Contributed Papers (Austin, TX; 2004): PSA 2004 Contributed Papers.
Full text available as: |
Abstract
John Worrall recently provided an account of epistemic structural realism, which explains the success of science by arguing for the correct mathematical structure of our theories. He accounts for the historical failures of science by pointing to bloated ontological interpretations of theoretical terms. In this paper I argue that Worrall’s account suffers from five serious problems. I also show that Pierre Cruse and David Papineau have developed a rival structural realism that solves all of the problems faced by Worrall. This Ramsey-sentence realism is a significant advance in the debate, but still ultimately fails for its incomplete account of reference.
| Keywords: | Structural Realism; Pessimistic Induction; Ramsey-Sentence; |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | General Issues: Realism/Anti-realism |
| Conferences and Volumes: | [2004] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 19th Biennial Meeting - PSA2004: Contributed Papers (Austin, TX; 2004): PSA 2004 Contributed Papers |
| ID Code: | 1975 |
| Deposited By: | Newman, Mark |
| Deposited On: | 03 October 2004 |