Scientific Realism, Empiricism, and Instrumentalism

Elliott Sober (University of Wisconsin, Madison)

Title: Scientific Realism, Empiricism, and Instrumentalism

Abstract: Scientific Realism asserts that the goal of scientific inference is to find theories that are true in what they say about observable and unobservable entities alike. Empiricism says that the goal is more modest – to find theories that are true in what they say about observables. Instrumentalism says that the goal is to find theories that are predictively accurate. Here I’ll assess some of the main arguments for and against Realism and Empiricism, sometimes using simple ideas about probability. The bottom line is to reject Empiricism and to be pluralistic about Realism and Instrumentalism.

This event will be held over Zoom. To receive the link and password, please register at https://acu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIud--vrz4rG92LxpWxECjBqrcAcdW885yB. For any questions, please email [email protected].