Scientific realism

Question 1

Explain scientific realism.

Answer 1

According to scientific realism, if a successful, scientific, theory, with a research program, states that X exists, then even if we can’t observe X, then X exists.

Scientific realism uses inference to the best explanation. This is a form of abduction. Keep in mind that the best explanation does not have to be the actual explanation.

Question 2

Explain constructive empiricism.

Answer 2

According to constructive empiricism, there can be more than one scientific theory that is empirically just as adequate.

Question 3

What does scientific realism imply for psychology, in terms of mental states.

Answer 3

This means for psychology, that if according to a successful scientific theory, mental states exists, then even though we cannot observe mental states, we have to assume they exist.

Question 4

What are the arguments against scientific realism.

Answer 4

1. A scientific theory only needs to be empirically adequate at the observational level.
2. The best explanation does not have to be the actual explanation.

Question 5

Explain pragmatism by Pierce.

Answer 5

Pragmatism is concerned with how knowledge and/or beliefs lead to action. You can see someone’s beliefs in their actions. This criticizes the view that knowledge always has to be certain.

Question 6

How do we fixate our beliefs?

Answer 6

1. Method of tenacity: stay away from things that lead to doubt (socially impossible).
2. Method of authority.
3. Method of a priori: subjective.
4. Method of science.

Question 7

Explain Quine’s view of neutralized epistemology.

Answer 7

Quine was a naturalist and naturalism doubts whether you can draw a distinction between philosophy and science. We use science to study science, which is problematic. We move away from justifying knowledge and focus on the acquisition of knowledge. This is now the psychological study of reason.