Realism for Realistic People
A New Pragmatist Philosophy of Science

A new pragmatist philosophy of science that conceives truth and reality as operational ideals achievable in actual scientific practice.

Hasok Chang (Author)

9781108455930, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 October 2023

294 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.5 cm, 0.43 kg

'Chang's comprehensive vision presented in this book compliments his studies of historical and contemporary scientific practice by setting out the proper stance in the philosophy of science. It is a very impressive accomplishment which distills the essential arguments from the vast literature on realism.' David J. Stump, Metascience

In this innovative book, Hasok Chang constructs a philosophy of science for 'realistic people' interested in understanding and promoting the actual practices of inquiry in science and other knowledge-focused areas of life. Inspired by pragmatist philosophy, he reconceives the very notions of reality and truth on the basis of his concept of the 'operational coherence' of epistemic activities, and offers new pragmatist conceptions of truth and reality as operational ideals achievable in actual scientific practice. Rejecting the version of scientific realism that is concerned with claiming that our theories correspond to an ultimate reality, he proposes instead an 'activist realism': a commitment to do all that we can actually do to improve our knowledge of realities. His book will appeal to scholars and students in philosophy, science and the history of science, and all who are concerned about the place of science and empirical truth in society.

Introduction
1. Active Knowledge
2. Correspondence
3. Reality
4. Truth
5. Realism
Closing Remarks.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA]