Diffusion of Borders in the Contemporary Discussion on Scientific Realism

Authors

  • Barbara Tomczyk Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin

Abstract

An interesting phenomenon of diffusion of borders is observed within current discussion on realism. Philosophers retreat from unequivocal positions; as the result, clarity of this discussion is impaired. This concerns as well the internal realism as some other positions, represented e.g. by van Fraassen, Feyerabend and by the Edinburgh School. The paper aims at showing that combining realistic and antirealistic theses in one philosophical position seems to be inevitable. These theses are becoming so similar that they can be interpreted in realistic as well as antirealistic way, allowing their proponents to avoid inconsistencies. However, for the same reason discussion becomes somewhat pointless, and declaration "I am a scientific realist (or antirealist)" is no longer understandable

Published

2006-09-01

How to Cite

Tomczyk, B. (2006). Diffusion of Borders in the Contemporary Discussion on Scientific Realism. The Philosophy of Science, 14(3), 125–142. Retrieved from https://fn.uw.edu.pl/index.php/fn/article/view/481