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Full Idea
Structural Realists must show that it is the mathematical aspects of the theories, not their content, that account for their success ….and that their structure and content can be clearly separated.
Gist of Idea
Structural Realists must show the mathematics is both crucial and separate
Source
Geoffrey Gorham (Philosophy of Science [2009], 4)
Book Ref
Gorham,Geoffrey: 'Philosophy of Science' [One World 2009], p.102
A Reaction
Their approach certainly seems to rely on mathematical types of science, so it presumably fits biology, geology and even astronomy less well.
Related Idea
Idea 22194 Structural Realism says mathematical structures persist after theory rejection [Gorham]
| 22189 | Why abandon a theory if you don't have a better one? [Gorham] |
| 22190 | If a theory is more informative it is less probable [Gorham] |
| 22196 | For most scientists their concepts are not just useful, but are meant to be true and accurate [Gorham] |
| 22192 | Is Newton simpler with universal simultaneity, or Einstein simpler without absolute time? [Gorham] |
| 22194 | Structural Realism says mathematical structures persist after theory rejection [Gorham] |
| 22195 | Structural Realists must show the mathematics is both crucial and separate [Gorham] |
| 22197 | Theories aren't just for organising present experience if they concern the past or future [Gorham] |
| 22193 | Consilience makes the component sciences more likely [Gorham] |
| 22198 | Aristotelian physics has circular celestial motion and linear earthly motion [Gorham] |