Metaphysical underdetermination
why worry?
pp. 205-221
Résumé
Various forms of underdetermination that might threaten the realist stance are examined. That which holds between different ‘formulations’ of a theory (such as the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of classical mechanics) is considered in some detail, as is the ‘metaphysical’ underdetermination invoked to support ‘ontic structural realism’. The problematic roles of heuristic fruitfulness and surplus structure in attempts to break these forms of underdetermination are discussed and an approach emphasizing the relevant structural commonalities is defended.
Détails de la publication
Publié dans:
Schurz Gerhard, Votsis Ioannis (2011) Scientific realism quo vadis?. Synthese 180 (2).
Pages: 205-221
DOI: 10.1007/s11229-009-9598-5
Citation complète:
French Steven, 2011, Metaphysical underdetermination: why worry? Synthese 180 (2), Scientific realism quo vadis?, 205-221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-009-9598-5.