HPS100H1 Lecture 5: HPS100 Lec 5
29 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
We can use theories in practical applications and accept them as best available descriptions of the world. We shouldn"t accept theories, but we should only use them in practical applications, for theories are nothing more than useful tools: scientific realism. Our theories about natures of unobservable entities can be false, our knowledge of the relation between them is true. Although in the future our theories may be rejected, most of the equations will survive in one way or another. Equations are different depending on the theories, hence it is not true i. e. equation for force between aristotelian, newtonian and einstein"s theory are completely different. Structural realism is flawed, for our knowledge about relations is not immune to change. Our knowledge about unobservable entities is true, although our theories concerning relations between these entities can be false. Phlogiston theory and contemporary view on combustion are completely different. Aristotle"s 4 elements compared to today"s periodic table are completely different as well.
