Single Idea 6777

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory]

Full Idea

A realist says of their theories that they can be evaluated according to truth, they aim at truth, their success favours their truth, their unobserved entities probably exist, and they would explain the observable phenomena.

Gist of Idea

Realists say their theories involve truth and the existence of their phenomena

Source

Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.124


A Reaction

This seems to me to be the only sensible attitude towards scientific theories, even if they do become confusing down at the level of quantum theory. Theories aim to be true explanations.