Baron, Samuel and Le Bihan, Baptiste and Read, James (2025) Scientific Theory and Possibility. [Preprint]

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Abstract

It is plausible that the models of scientific theories correspond to possibilities. But how do we know which models of which scientific theories so correspond? This paper provides a novel proposal for guiding belief about possibilities via scientific theories. The proposal draws on the notion of an effective theory: a theory that applies very well to a particular, restricted domain. We argue that it is the models of effective theories that we should believe correspond, at least in part, to possibilities. It is thus effective theories that should guide modal reasoning in science.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Baron, Samuel samuel.baron@uwa.edu.au 0000-0003-4000-3276 Le Bihan, Baptiste baptiste.lebihan@unige.ch Read, James james.read@philosophy.ox.ac.uk
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in Erkenntnis
Keywords:	Physical possibilities, modality, effective theories
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Laws of Nature General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User:	Dr. James Read
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2025 14:24
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2025 14:24
Item ID:	24581
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Laws of Nature General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date:	20 January 2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24581

Available Versions of this Item

• Physical Theory and Physical Possibility. (deposited 16 Apr 2024 23:48)
  • Scientific Theory and Possibility. (deposited 21 Jan 2025 14:24) [Currently Displayed]

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