Part I. Scientific Realism Today: 1. Realism and antirealism, metaphysics and empiricism; 2. Selective scepticism: entity realism, structural realism, semirealism; 3. Properties, particulars and concrete structures; Part II. Metaphysical Foundations: 4. Causal realism and causal processes; 5. Dispositions, property identity and laws of nature; 6. Sociability: natural and scientific kinds; Part III. Theory Meets World: 7. Representing and describing: theories and models; 8. Approximate truths about approximate truth.
A vision of how realism can provide a consistent and coherent account of scientific knowledge.
Anjan Chakravartty is Assistant Professor at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science, Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto.
“The level of ambition is high, and in my opinion Chakravartty
achieves what he aims at….Regardless of whether one is ultimately
persuaded by the arguments presented in this book, it is a must-buy
for anyone who is serious about the realist/anti-realist debate, as
well as for anyone interested in the issue of the metaphysics of
science.”
--Jacob Busch, University of St Andrews, The Philosophical
Quarterly
“Chakravartty embraces parts of entity realism and structural
realism, but this is only the beginning. The justification for his
semirealism includes a big dose of metaphysics, namely his accounts
of causation and of natural kinds, among other things. Much of the
book is given over to very detailed discussion of these issues. In
a short review, I cannot hope to do justice to the full richness of
Chakravartty’s subtle and highly original treatment of these
matters. Let me close with a simple recommendation to any who want
to read the last word on scientific realism – this is it.”
--James Robert Brown, Department of Philosophy, University of
Toronto, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
“Chakravartty is clear and engaging in his writing, and charitable
and judicious in his arguments with other philosophers. His book is
essential reading for those interested in scientific realism or the
metaphysics of science.”
--James Ladyman, University of Bristol, Notre Dame Philosophical
Reviews
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
