How do we Recognize Structural Realism?

Authors

  • Brian Smith University of Glasgow

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6093/1593-7178/2843

Keywords:

Structuralism, Structural realism, Philosophy of science, Reality, Scientific theory

Abstract

Structuralism is an ambiguous term, finding a home in both continental and analytic schools of thought. The title of this paper seeks to find common ground in the use of this term, and to use both traditions to contribute to the current debates surrounding structural realism in the philosophy of science. The paper’s title makes reference to both Gilles Deleuze’s overview of the structuralism of the 1960/70s in French philosophy and social sciences, found in his well known essay ‘How do we Recognize Structuralism?’, and the contemporary structural realism, as developed by James Ladyman and Don Ross in their book Every Thing Must Go. Common aspects in both Deleuze’s and Ladyman and Ross’ analysis will be brought out via Daniel Dennett’s development of “real patterns” and the problem of theory change, while the co-ordinating and unifying role of fundamental physics will be challenged.

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Published

2014-11-04

How to Cite

Smith, B. (2014). How do we Recognize Structural Realism?. Bollettino Filosofico, 29, 175–200. https://doi.org/10.6093/1593-7178/2843

Issue

Vol. 29 (2014): Analytics and Continentals

Section

Focus

License

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