Constructs and Fictions

The issues of realism and ontologically more chaste views are discussed within the context of constructivist as opposed to non-constructivist approaches to scientific theories. Although many take non-constructivistic interpretations to require the existence of all the elements of theories, this essa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Dialectica 1968, Vol.22 (1), p.20-27
Main Author: Gruender, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Average linear density
Constructive empiricism
Empiricism
Kinetic theory
Mass
Molecules
Ontological pluralism
Philosophy of science
Quantum mechanics
Scientific method
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Summary:The issues of realism and ontologically more chaste views are discussed within the context of constructivist as opposed to non-constructivist approaches to scientific theories. Although many take non-constructivistic interpretations to require the existence of all the elements of theories, this essay argues against that conclusion. A consideration of the use of the analytic-synthetic distinction and the greater fruitfulness of theories interpreted realistically both arrive at negative results. And since no simple criterion of reality is known, it is concluded that no simple methodology for pruning or for justifying elements of theories can be found.
ISSN:0012-2017
1746-8361
DOI:10.1111/j.1746-8361.1968.tb01571.x