Abduction and the Scientific Realist Case for Properties

Matthew Tugby
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引用次数: 4

Abstract

Traditionally, many arguments for realism about properties (universals or tropes) rely on a priori claims. The author argues that if we make use of an abductive principle that is commonly employed by scientific realists, a new argument for property realism can be formulated which is based firmly in scientific practice. The abductive principle says that we should believe in the existence of certain theoretical entities if they figure in the best explanation for what scientists observe. The scientific argument for property realism then says (roughly) that the best explanation for various behavioural patterns that physical scientists observe is that microscopic entities (such as electrons) instantiate stable, causally efficacious properties. After presenting the argument, the author defends it against possible objections. More generally, the article provides a case study for how science and metaphysics can work together to generate ontological claims.
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溯因论和属性的科学现实主义案例
传统上,许多关于属性(共相或比喻)的实在论论证依赖于先验的主张。作者认为,如果我们利用科学实在论常用的溯因原理,就可以形成一个牢固地建立在科学实践基础上的关于财产实在论的新论证。溯因原理认为,如果某些理论实体能最好地解释科学家所观察到的现象,我们就应该相信它们的存在。属性现实主义的科学论证然后(粗略地)说,对物理科学家观察到的各种行为模式的最佳解释是,微观实体(如电子)实例化了稳定的、因果有效的属性。在提出论点后,作者对可能的反对意见进行了辩护。更一般地说,这篇文章提供了一个关于科学和形而上学如何共同产生本体论主张的案例研究。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
1.40
自引率
0.00%
发文量
11
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