Open AccessConvergent realism on truth, progress and referentiality
Author(s) -
Aleksandra Zorić
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
theoria
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2406-081X
pISSN - 0351-2274
DOI - 10.2298/theo1104051z
Subject(s) - scrutiny , realism , epistemology , argument (complex analysis) , philosophy , foundation (evidence) , order (exchange) , position (finance) , political science , law , economics , chemistry , biochemistry , theology , finance
In this paper we shall explore the position of convergent realism trough the work of two of its most important proponents, Richard Boyd and Hillary Putnam. We shall examine their views on questions of truth, progress and referentiality in order to determine the success with which realistic position withstands the scrutiny of anti-realistic objections. It will be shown that claims of truthlikeness and progress are to a large degree dependent on a successful theory of reference and that the image of science painted by the realists does indeed offer preferable explanation of science only if the „no miracles“ argument can be given a firm foundation