Structural realism Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Volume 9 of Spontaneous Generations: A Journal for the History and Philosophy of Science presents an eclectic but surprisingly harmonious collection of invited and peer-reviewed papers, organized under the title “The Future of the... more

Curtis Forbes's editor's introduction starts off the collection by tracing some of the broader themes that unite the pieces. It is followed by a dialogue between Bas van Fraassen and Anjan Chakravartty entitled "What is Scientific Realism?", which sets the tone for the twenty one essays that follow: all quite stimulating, sometimes perplexed, and often freely speculative. In order of appearance, there are contributions from Jeff Foss, Hasok Chang, Theodore Arabatzis, Harry Collins, Arthur Fine, Joseph Rouse, Alan Musgrave, Howard Sankey, Stathis Psillos, P. Kyle Stanford, Jamie Shaw, James Ladyman, Robin Hendry, Pete Vickers, Mario Alai, Kerry McKenzie, K. Brad Wray, Tim Lyons, Paul Teller, Nancy Cartwright, as well as Cliff Hooker and Giles Hooker.

The journal's usual distinction between full length articles, focused discussion pieces, and shorter opinion statements was suspended to give invited contributors maximal freedom to speak their mind. Some chose to share a new and carefully articulated, lengthy argument. Others chose to briefly clarify some previous work of theirs, or offer a preface to something forthcoming. Still others raise new problems for the would-be scientific realist, or their opponents, or boldly proffer some new terms the debate might, will, or should be based on moving forward.

The result is a kind of snapshot that records some ways these specific philosophers of science are currently thinking about the state, history, and future of the debate over scientific realism. Much of it is reflective and opinionated, so the reader deserves some clarification: many of the ideas found here deserve to be fleshed out more fully elsewhere, and in most cases the authors have either referenced prior publications where they have done so, or mentioned their plans to do so soon.

This special issue has given various parties to the scientific realism debate the opportunity to describe where they presently stand, and where they think the discussion should be going. The reader, however, will likely need to consult separate works to fully understand why each author stands where they do, and wait to see where the debate over scientific realism goes moving forward. As a whole, therefore, this collection is probably best treated as a touchstone or launching point for further study and discussion of many contemporary issues concerning scientific realism.

Enjoy.