A Confrontation of Convergent Realism

作者：Vickers Peter^*

来源：Philosophy of Science, 2013, 80(2): 189-211.

DOI：10.1086/670297

For many years-and with some energy since Laudan%26apos;s %26quot;Confutation of Convergent Realism%26quot; (1981)-the scientific realist has sought to accommodate examples of false-yet-successful theories in the history of science. One of the most prominent strategies is to identify %26apos;success fueling%26apos; components of false theories that themselves are at least approximately true (judging by our current understanding). In this article I develop both sides of the debate, introducing new challenges from the history of science as well as suggesting adjustments to the divide et impera realist strategy. A new %26apos;recipe%26apos; for the prospective identification of (at least some) working/idle posits is considered.

• 出版日期2013-4