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Realism, anti-realism, and the success of science

Posted on:2003-09-17Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:City University of New YorkCandidate:Shein, David MarcusFull Text:PDF
GTID:1465390011479263Subject:Philosophy
Abstract/Summary:
According to the success argument for scientific realism, scientific realism must be true or else the success of science would be inexplicable. I contend that this argument fails: scientific realism is unable to account for the predictive successes of scientific theories. Scientific anti-realism also fails to explain these successes, as does social constructivism. I conclude that we are forced to take the second horn of the realist's dilemma and accept that the success of science is inexplicable.
Keywords/Search Tags:Success, Realism
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