Sankey, Howard (2007) Scientific Realism and the Inevitability of Science. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the question of whether scientific realism is committed to the inevitability of science or is consistent with claims of the contingency of science. In order to address this question, a general characterization of the position of scientific realism is presented. It is then argued that scientific realism has no evident implications with regard to the inevitability of science. A historical case study is presented in which contingency plays a significant role, and the appropriate realist response to this case study is indicated. Finally, it is argued that, when conjoined with a reliabilist theory of method, realism does have implications for the inevitability of science.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Sankey, Howard
Keywords:	Scientific realism, contingency, inevitability
Subjects:	General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User:	Howard Sankey
Date Deposited:	11 Dec 2007
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:15
Item ID:	3718
Subjects:	General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date:	December 2007
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3718

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