Realism and Scientific Models: The Relevance of the Distinction between Epistemology and Ontology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22370/sst.2013.3.5230Abstract
During the last few decades Realist perspectives within philosophy are gaining force by developing new and traditional arguments. The present article proposes that scientific models, more precisely effective models, provide a good example for showing important flaws in arguments regarding incommensurability or underdetermination. First, before examining examples in quantum physics and gravitation theories, a critique to skepticism is proposed. This is intended to show that a realist approach to science can be supported by scientific development. Second, we propose a defense of Scientific Realism. This defense is aimed to show how scientific models and theories can consistently progress if they are observed as representations that can increase their resolution when their predictions are confirmed and new elements are added to their descriptive accounts.
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