Realism Science And Pragmatism

Author : Kenneth R. Westphal
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 329 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2014-02-24
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781317699705

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Realism, Science, and Pragmatism by Kenneth R. Westphal Pdf

This collection of original essays aims to reinvigorate the debate surrounding philosophical realism in relation to philosophy of science, pragmatism, epistemology, and theory of perception. Questions concerning realism are as current and as ancient as philosophy itself; this volume explores relations between different positions designated as ‘realism’ by examining specific cases in point, drawn from a broad range of systematic problems and historical views, from ancient Greek philosophy through the present. The first section examines the context of the project; contributions systematically engage the historical background of philosophical realism, re-examining key works of Aristotle, Descartes, Quine, and others. The following two sections epitomize the central tension within current debates: scientific realism and pragmatism. These contributions address contemporary questions of scientific realism and the reality of the objects of science, and consider whether, how or the extent to which realism and pragmatism are compatible. With an editorial introduction by Kenneth R. Westphal, these fourteen original essays provide wide-ranging, salient insights into the status of realism today.

Author : Hasok Chang
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 295 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2022-10-13
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781108568395

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Realism for Realistic People by Hasok Chang Pdf

In this innovative book, Hasok Chang constructs a philosophy of science for 'realistic people' interested in understanding and promoting the actual practices of inquiry in science and other knowledge-focused areas of life. Inspired by pragmatist philosophy, he reconceives the very notions of reality and truth on the basis of his concept of the 'operational coherence' of epistemic activities, and offers new pragmatist conceptions of truth and reality as operational ideals achievable in actual scientific practice. Rejecting the version of scientific realism that is concerned with claiming that our theories correspond to an ultimate reality, he proposes instead an 'activist realism': a commitment to do all that we can actually do to improve our knowledge of realities. His book will appeal to scholars and students in philosophy, science and the history of science, and all who are concerned about the place of science and empirical truth in society.

Author : Frederick L. Will
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 278 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 1997
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 0847683508

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Pragmatism and Realism by Frederick L. Will Pdf

In this collection of nine essays, Will demonstrates that a social account of human knowledge is consistent with, and ultimately requires, realism.

Author : Nicholas Rescher
Publisher : University of Pittsburgh Pre
Page : 158 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 2005
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 0822942496

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Realism and Pragmatic Epistemology by Nicholas Rescher Pdf

An examination of philosophical realism from the standpoint of pragmatic epistemology, this book addresses the core idea of Rescher's work in epistemology: that functional and pragmatic concerns exert a controlling influence on the conduct of rational inquiry and on the ways in which we can and should regard its products. Pragmatism is widely regarded as a philosophical approach that stands at odds with realism, but Rescher takes a very different approach. He views pragmatism as a realistic position that can be developed from a pragmatic point of view, and utilizes a number of case studies to augment his position. Throughout, he shows how the pragmatic and purposive setting of our putative knowledge of the real world proves to be crucial for the constituting and also for the constitution of our knowledge.

Author : James Conant,Urszula M. Zeglen
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 254 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2012-10-02
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781134520206

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Hilary Putnam by James Conant,Urszula M. Zeglen Pdf

One of the most influential contemporary philosophers, Hilary Putnam's involvement in philosophy spans philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, ontology and epistemology and logic. This specially commissioned collection discusses his contribution to the realist and pragmatist debate. Hilary Putnam comments on the issues raised in each article, making it invaluable for any scholar of his work.

Author : Sami Pihlström
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 460 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 1996
Category : Ontology
ISBN : STANFORD:36105017706222

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Structuring the World by Sami Pihlström Pdf

Author : Andrew Wells Garnar,Ashley Shew
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 231 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2020-11-03
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781498597630

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Feedback Loops by Andrew Wells Garnar,Ashley Shew Pdf

In a world of information technologies, genetic engineering, controversies about established science, and the mysteries of quantum physics, it is at once seemingly impossible and absolutely vital to find ways to make sense of how science, technology, and society connect. In Feedback Loops: Pragmatism about Science & Technology, editors Andrew Wells Garnar and Ashley Shew bring together original writing from philosophers and science and technology studies scholars to provide novel ways of rethinking the relationships among science, technology, education, and society. Through critiquing and exploring the work of philosopher of science and technology Joseph C. Pitt, the authors featured in this volume investigate the complexities of contemporary technoscience, writing on topics ranging from super-computing to pedagogy, engineering to biotechnology patents, and scientific instruments to disability studies. Taken together, these chapters develop an argument about the necessity of using pragmatism to foster a more productive relationship among science, technology and society.

Author : Frank Miedema
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 265 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2021-10-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789402421156

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Open Science: the Very Idea by Frank Miedema Pdf

This open access book provides a broad context for the understanding of current problems of science and of the different movements aiming to improve the societal impact of science and research. The author offers insights with regard to ideas, old and new, about science, and their historical origins in philosophy and sociology of science, which is of interest to a broad readership. The book shows that scientifically grounded knowledge is required and helpful in understanding intellectual and political positions in various discussions on the grand challenges of our time and how science makes impact on society. The book reveals why interventions that look good or even obvious, are often met with resistance and are hard to realize in practice. Based on a thorough analysis, as well as personal experiences in aids research, university administration and as a science observer, the author provides - while being totally open regarding science's limitations- a realistic narrative about how research is conducted, and how reliable ‘objective’ knowledge is produced. His idea of science, which draws heavily on American pragmatism, fits in with the global Open Science movement. It is argued that Open Science is a truly and historically unique movement in that it translates the analysis of the problems of science into major institutional actions of system change in order to improve academic culture and the impact of science, engaging all actors in the field of science and academia.

Author : Joseph Margolis
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 1986
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 063115034X

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The Persistence of Reality by Joseph Margolis Pdf

Author : Peter Skagestad
Publisher : Columbia University Press
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 1981
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 0231050046

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The Road of Inquiry, Charles Peirce's Pragmatic Realism by Peter Skagestad Pdf

Scientist, mathematician, thinker, the father of pragmatism, the inspiration for William James and John Dewey, Charles Peirce has remained until recently a philosopher's philosopher. Peirce trod a fine line between the extremes of nominalism and realism, tough-minded pragmatism and metaphysical speculation. As Peter Skagestad makes clear, Peirce's system of thought was fragmented, incomplete, and sometimes inconsistent. But one overriding concern gives unity to the whole: the road of inquiry must never be blocked.

Author : Quentin Ruyant
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 230 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 2021-05-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030723491

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Modal Empiricism by Quentin Ruyant Pdf

This book proposes a novel position in the debate on scientific realism: Modal Empiricism. Modal empiricism is the view that the aim of science is to provide theories that correctly delimit, in a unified way, the range of experiences that are naturally possible given our position in the world. The view is associated with a pragmatic account of scientific representation and an original notion of situated modalities, together with an inductive epistemology for modalities. It purports to provide a faithful account of scientific practice and of its impressive achievements, and defuses the main motivations for scientific realism. More generally, Modal Empiricism purports to be the precise articulation of a pragmatist stance towards science. This book is of interest to any philosopher involved in the debate on scientific realism, or interested in how to properly understand the content, aim and achievements of science.

Author : Patrick Baert
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 264 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2016-01-08
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780745699981

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Philosophy of the Social Sciences by Patrick Baert Pdf

In this ground-breaking new text, Patrick Baert analyses thecentral perspectives in the philosophy of social science,critically investigating the work of Durkheim, Weber, Popper,critical realism, critical theory, and Rorty's neo pragmatism. Places key writers in their social and political contexts,helping to make their ideas meaningful to students. Shows how these authors’ views have practical uses inempirical research. Lively approach that makes complex ideas understandable toupper-level students, as well as having scholarly appeal.

Author : Sami Pihlström
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
Page : 282 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2017-02-17
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781317223573

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Pragmatism and Objectivity by Sami Pihlström Pdf

Pragmatism and Objectivity illuminates the nature of contemporary pragmatism against the background of Rescher’s work, resulting in a stronger grasp of the prospects and promises of this philosophical movement. The central insight of pragmatism is that we must start from where we find ourselves and deflate metaphysical theories of truth in favor of an account that reflects our actual practices of the concept. Pragmatism links truth and rationality to experience, success, and action. While crude versions of pragmatism state that truth is whatever works for a person or a community, Nicholas Rescher has been at the forefront of arguing for a more sophisticated pragmatist position. According to his position, we can illuminate a robust concept of truth by considering its links with inquiry, assertion, belief, and action. His brand of pragmatism is objective and organized around truth and inquiry, rather than other forms of pragmatism that are more subjective and lenient. The contingency and fallibility of knowledge and belief formation does not mean that our beliefs are simply what our community decides, or that truth and objectivity are spurious notions. Rescher offers the best chance of understanding how it is that beliefs can be the products of human inquiry yet aim at the truth nonetheless. The essays in this volume, written by established and up-and-coming scholars of pragmatism, touch on themes related to epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and ethics.

Author : Ilkka Niiniluoto
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 356 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 1999-12-09
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780191519406

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Critical Scientific Realism by Ilkka Niiniluoto Pdf

Ilkka Niiniluoto comes to the rescue of scientific realism, showing that reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. Philosophical realism holds that the aim of a particular discourse is to make true statements about its subject-matter. Niiniluoto surveys the different varieties of realism in ontology, semantics, epistemology, theory construction, and methodology. He then sets out his own original version, and defends it against competing theories in the philosophy of science. Niiniluoto's critical scientific realism is founded upon the notion of truth as correspondence between language and reality, and characterizes scientific progress in terms of increasing truthlikeness. This makes it possible not only to take seriously, but also to make precise, the troublesome idea that scientific theories typically are false but nevertheless close to the truth.

Author : Robert Schwartz
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 298 pages
File Size : 51,7 Mb
Release : 2019-07-23
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780429581397

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Pragmatic Perspectives by Robert Schwartz Pdf

For a good part of the 20th century, the classic Pragmatists—Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey—and pragmatism in general were largely ignored by analytic philosophers. They were said to hold such untenable views as whatever best satisfies our needs is true and that the end justifies the means. Despite a recent revival of interest in these figures, spurred largely by the work of Richard Rorty, it is not uncommon to continue to hear claims that pragmatism is a subjectivist, anti-realist position that denies that there is a mind-independent world, and fails to place objective constraints on inquiry. In this book, Robert Schwartz dispels these traditional views by examining the empiricist and constructivist orientation of the classic pragmatists. Based on updated and expanded versions of his influential papers, as well as a number of previously unpublished essays, in this book Schwartz demonstrates the relevance of pragmatic thought to a wide range of issues beyond concerns over truth and realism that currently dominate discussions. The individual essays elaborate and defend pragmatic, instrumentalist, and constructivist conceptions of truth and inquiry, moral discourse and ethical statements, perception, art, and worldmaking. Pragmatic Perspectives will appeal to scholars interested in the history of American philosophy and pragmatic approaches to contemporary issues in analytic philosophy.