HPS100H1 Lecture 5: Lecture 5
28 Jan 2016
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Document Summary
Wrong question because it is based on a infallibilist belief. Scientific realism: our best scientific theories correctly describe the nature of the mind independent world. We can both use theories in practical applications and accept them as best available descriptions of the external world. Structural realism is flawed our knowledge about relations is not immune to change theories concerning: entity realism: our knowledge about the unobservable entities is true, although our. Phlogiston theory vs combustion in contemporary chemistry (reacts with oxygen to produce oxygen and hydrogen); aristotle elements vs periodic elements . Entity realism is flawed list of entities have changed through time. Scientific anti-realism/instrumentalism: we do not know whether our theories correctly describe the nature of the mind-independent world. We shouldn"t accept theories but should only use them in practical applications, for theories are nothing more than useful tools. Progress thesis: yes, science progresses towards the truth (scientific theories provide increasingly correct descriptions of the external world)
