Scientific Realism

abductive inference accept answer antirealism antirealist approximately true argue argument for realism atoms believe Boyd causal central terms claim classical conception confirmed constructivist digraphs earlier theories Einstein's electrons empirically equivalent empiricism empiricist ence epistemic epistemology equations evidence example existence experimental explain explanandum explanatory fact false Fraassen genuinely refer Hilary Putnam history of science ideal inductive instrumental reliability knowledge Kuhn Laudan laws logical mature sciences means mechanics metaphor methods Natural Ontological Attitude Newton's nonrealist notion objects observable ontological particles phenomena philosophical Philosophy of Science physics polarized postulated predictive success principle problem provides Putnam quantum question reason rebuttal referential rejection scientific practice scientific realism scientific theories scientists semantic sense skeptical sort structure success of science successful theories superior planet T₁ T₂ theo theoretical entities theoretical terms Theory Change theory-dependent tific tion total science tradition truth underdetermination unobservable W. V. O. Quine