Single Idea 22197

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 3. Instrumentalism]

Full Idea

The strangeness of interpreting theories as mere tools for organising present experience is brought out clearly in sciences like cosmology and paleontology, which largely concern events in the remote past or future.

Gist of Idea

Theories aren't just for organising present experience if they concern the past or future

Source

Geoffrey Gorham (Philosophy of Science [2009], 4)

Book Reference

Gorham,Geoffrey: 'Philosophy of Science' [One World 2009], p.103


A Reaction

Not conclusive. An anti-realist has to interpret those sciences in terms of the current observations that are available.