Scientific Realism Research Articles

Engaging Jeffrey Koperski’s decretalism: is occasionalism really avoidable?

Abstract This article critically evaluates Jeffrey Koperski’s decretalism, which presents the laws of nature as divine decrees functioning as constraints rather than dynamic forces. Building on his work, we explore whether his model successfully avoids the implications of occasionalism, as he claims. By analysing his latest publications, we first reconstruct Koperski’s argument and then present three key objections. These include (1) issues related to scientific realism, (2) the principle of simplicity, and (3) the reduction of Koperski’s model to occasionalism. We argue that despite his attempts to distinguish his framework, Koperski’s model ultimately collapses into occasionalism due to the continuous divine sustenance required for natural processes. By engaging with recent developments in metaphysical and scientific debates, this article highlights the limitations of Koperski’s decretalism.

Must Scientific Realists Respond to The Challenge of the PMI?

The Pessimistic Meta-Induction (PMI) says that because most past scientific theories turned out to be false, we have no reason to believe in the truthfulness of our current scientific theories. According to current consensus, this anti-realist argument presents a serious challenge to which proponents of the realist conception of science must give a response. In accordance with this requirement, some scientific realists try to demonstrate that PMI is a fallacious argument. Other realists make an attempt to block the pessimistic conclusion. The present paper offers a new perspective on the debate between scientific anti-realists and traditional scientific realists. The main argument consists of two interrelated steps. First, a structural analysis of the dialectical status of PMI is provided demonstrating that the anti-realists’ argument is internally unstable. Second, it is argued, on that basis, that an internally unstable argument like the PMI does not require any strategic response from the opponents’ side. This suggests that the consensus view is wrong: scientific realists need not respond to the challenge of PMI.

Reporting guidelines for qualitative research: a values-based approach

ABSTRACT Evaluative tools for qualitative research need to be developed and designed in a way that allows them to be used by the research community to assess qualitative research on its own terms, and thus strengthen, rather than undermine, research quality. The diversity of qualitative research practice makes the development of ‘one size fits all’ tools challenging. When evaluating Big Q Qualitative – the use of practices for generating and analysing qualitative data underpinned by qualitative research values – many existing ‘one size fits all’ reporting checklists and standards have the potential to introduce methodological incongruence through their inclusion of criteria that don’t ‘fit’ or align with Big Q values. The values and practices of Big Q Qualitative research, and the paradigms and meta-theoretical assumptions that inform them, are typically incommensurable with ideas and ideals founded in, disciplinary dominant, (post)positivism/objectivism and scientific realism. The unknowing, or knowing-but-required, application of ill-fitting criteria and standards for reporting risks not just incongruence, but undermining the vitality and creativity of Big Q Qualitative. However, evaluative guidelines remain important tools, pragmatically and rhetorically. In this paper, we explain and justify our development of a set of reporting guidelines to support methodologically congruent and reflexively open evaluation and reporting of Big Q Qualitative research. The Big Q Qualitative Reporting Guidelines (BQQRG) articulate a values-, rather than consensus-, based framework for reporting and evaluating qualitative research.

The ethics of research

The ethical problem of research proposes itself beyond any theoretical radicalisation that wants to conclude in a self-sufficient positive science or in a denial of any scientific reality. While man's need to place himself ethically (with a transcendence of himself and the reality that surrounds him) remains alive, the impossibility of conferring theoretical value on a naive ethics based on analogical discourses aimed at supporting, directing and interpreting scientific experience is critically declared.

Minimal metaphysics in moral and political philosophy

The aim of this paper is to apply the methodology of minimal ontological commitments to moral and political philosophy. As minimal metaphysics in the philosophy of science endorses scientific realism, so we subscribe to moral realism, arguing that the presumption of liberty is the fundamental assumption defining a person. What needs to be justified then are restrictions to liberty and, in particular, the application of coercion upon persons. In examining knowledge claims about normative facts going beyond the presumption of liberty, such as, for instance, facts about a common good, we show that an ontological commitment to such normative facts is at odds with minimal metaphysics. We thus show how minimal metaphysics vindicates a Kantian deontological stance in moral and political philosophy: moral realism is limited to the obligations that follow from extending the presumption of liberty to all human beings in virtue of them being rational animals, hence to respect every person as an end in itself.

The Martian: science fiction and science fact

Abstract The book and the film The Martian stand as a testament to the powerful synergy between art, science fiction and science. Written by Andy Weir, the book was turned into a blockbuster film by Fox Studios that wowed audiences and critics alike. To accomplish this visually stunning film, the collaboration between Director Ridley Scott’s production team and the NASA Mars team with other key consultants delivered an unforgettable cinematic masterpiece, one that not only entertained but also inspired audiences to dream big and embrace the spirit of exploration that drives humanity’s quest for knowledge about space and Mars. The Martian captivates audiences with its breathtaking Mars landscape visuals and realistic portrayal of space exploration. It strikes a perfect balance between science and storytelling, grounding its depiction of Mars and the challenges faced by astronauts in, mostly, scientific reality. The film’s reasonably accurate portrayal of Mars, supported by collaboration with NASA, adds to its authenticity and appeal.

Presenting data the Significance way - Part 3

Abstract The latest instalment of our data visualisation guide, created by Andreas Krause and Nicola Rennie for Significance and our sister platform Real World Data Science, offers authors a complete guide to creating the best data visualisation for the needs of both their article and Significance magazine

Valorificarea în viața cotidiană a competenței specifice la informatică în contextul modulului la alegere din ciclul liceal "Metode experimentale în științele umanistice"

In this paper, the concept of specific competences in informatics is addressed, in particular the specific competence no. 6: Processing the data of experiments in the field of real sciences and socio-humanities, showing critical thinking, clarity and correctness, from the perspective of the importance of this skill for its use in everyday life. Also here are presented some examples of projects that were implemented by high school students, in the context of the optional module 5B: Experimental methods in the humanities, Informatic, twelfth grade.

Bridging human rights and social work education: the triple mandate in Austrian and Australian teaching contexts

ABSTRACT This article explores social work’s mandates, delineating the profession’s obligations across three key domains: the client-centric mandate, the state and its agency-driven regulatory and policy mandate and the mandate grounded in the profession’s scientific and ethical standards, including the commitment to human rights—social works triple mandate. Drawing on the author’s experience as a senior lecturer in Austria and Australia, the analysis highlights how the socio-political environments and educational frameworks can shape social work education. The application of the triple mandate is illustrated through a systematic set of W-questions to identify different dimensions of social problems within a broader systemic framework. This approach, grounded in scientific realism—which holds that reality exists independently of our perceptions and aligns with emergent systemism by scientifically examining social interactions to explain complex social systems—equips emerging social workers with the analytical and practical skills to transform private troubles into public issues. A scenario where a school student experiences alienation, leading to absenteeism, exemplifies the connection between theory and action. The discussion concludes by asserting that integrating science-based social work practices with ethical principles empowers social workers to navigate complex professional challenges and strengthens their commitment to human rights and social justice.

Presenting data the Significance way – Part 2

Abstract The latest instalment of our data visualisation guide, created by Andreas Krause and Nicola Rennie for Significance and our sister platform Real World Data Science, offers authors a complete guide to creating the best data visualisation for the needs of both their article and Significance magazine

Choosing the Sweet Life with DOLCE

An ontology in philosophy is a description of what exists; an ontology in information science is the formal specification of a domain for information organization. A top-level ontology is an ontology of high-level abstractions that is meant to provide a standard for other ontologies to make them interoperable. Top-level ontologies commit to certain philosophical assumptions in the worlds they model, such as naive scientific realism, or the choice to model only those worlds which “actually” exist. This paper uses a comparison of Basic Formal Ontology (BFO) and Descriptive Ontology for Linguistic and Cognitive Engineering (DOLCE) to investigate whether naive scientific realism is useful as a philosophical stance in ontological modelling. It investigates the specific philosophical and technical features of DOLCE which make it unique. BFO and DOLCE are compared, as well as a miniature literature review of comparisons between other top-level ontologies. Then it describes the history of DOLCE and BFO’s development in the context of the collaboration between Barry Smith and Nicola Guarino. Finally, it examines the application of DOLCE in various domains, such as “sweetening” WordNet.

‘The most elemental process’: Sunshine as solar melodrama

ABSTRACT Of the various criticisms that have been levelled at Danny Boyle’s Sunshine (2007), a common complaint is that the film’s narrative descends from the cosmic heights of its setup – the dying sun must be resurrected explosively by a team of intrepid astronauts lest Earth freeze over – to the histrionic depths of its ending, in which the improbable return of a Kurtz-like individual grounds the plot as a struggle of individual wills. For several critics, the third act of the film becomes the locus of the melodramatic, here framed pejoratively as that which chafes against the scientific realism of the film more generally. However, in this paper I argue that melodrama in Sunshine cannot be compartmentalised in this way, but instead functions as a mode, revealing itself subtly in a number of technical and stylistic components that punctuate the emotional ebb and flow of the plot from the outset. While the film’s attempts at astronomical accuracy might seem to suggest its adherence to the reality principle, here I contend that the problem of narrativising the death of the solar star sends it into the orbit of melodrama well before its final sequence.

Against global aims for science: values, epistemic priority, and a local aims approach

Philosophers commonly make claims about the aims of science, and these claims have played a significant role in debates about topics like scientific realism, modeling, and idealization. Nevertheless, there has been little discussion about the basis for those aims or the source of justification for claims about those aims. We use recent debates about the appropriate roles for values in science to bring this lack of discussion to the fore. These debates raise the question of whether there are global aims that apply to all areas of science. In response to this question, we examine a variety of different ways of conceptualizing the aims of science and conclude that no matter how one conceptualizes them, there do not appear to be convincing arguments for the view that science has global aims that constrain the influence of local aims on scientific practice. Thus, we place the burden of proof on those who claim that science has one or more global aims of this sort to show how those aims can be justified. Furthermore, we develop an account of scientific normativity that relies solely on local aims. When applied to debates about values in science, this view vindicates the cogency of what we call an “equal aims” approach to managing roles for values in science. Abandoning global aims might seem to raise the potential for epistemic corruption in science, but we argue that this concern is not compelling. We conclude that a local conception of scientific aims provides the foundation for a highly naturalized and engaged approach to the philosophy of science.

Proposals for Incorporating the Reversal in Single-Case ABAB Designs Data Analysis

One of the commonly used single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) in education research is the ABAB design, commonly referred to as reversal design. This design is applicable when the studied behavior is reversible (i.e., reverses to baseline levels when the intervention is withdrawn) and it allows for a within-unit replication of the “basic effect”, that is, a comparison between two adjacent conditions (with and without an active intervention). Methodologically, one of its strengths is to provide three phase change moments to demonstrate experimental control. However, the withdrawal of the intervention (i.e., the comparison between the first intervention phase and the second baseline phase) has not received sufficient attention in the SCED literature. The aim of the current text is to propose quantifications that enable using the information from the withdrawal. Specifically, the quantifications allow for assessing the degree to which withdrawing the intervention leads to initial baseline levels as well as incorporating the reversal in an overall effect size. The proposals are illustrated with several real educational science data sets, including both within-unit analysis and replication of the ABAB design across units, and representing different degrees of reversal of the target behavior when the intervention is withdrawn.

Realismo, Relatividad General y el Gato de Schrödinger

The present work examines the nature of reality, including the possibility of freedom, in the framework of modern physics. Additionally, it proposes a reform for the metaphysics of realism.For realism, the world is the way it is independent of the mind. However, general relativity supposesthat the speed of objects and the temporal order of events depend on the frame of referenceadopted. Which frame of reference is adopted depends on human interests. However, there are still physical facts independent of the frame of reference: the speed of light, spacetime distance,and the equivalence of matter and energy, amongst others. On the other hand, the CopenhagenInterpretation supposes that quantum states are in a superposition that is only realized at themoment of observation, leading to the implication that Schrödinger’s cat is both alive and deaduntil observed. However, less incredible realist possibilities are analysed. Modern physics, whetherdeterminist or indeterminist, also threatens the possibility of freedom. The compatibility of freedom as self-government and modern physics is analysed and developed. Although central aspectsof realist metaphysics are conserved, a philosophical-scientific conception of the universe that integrates mental beings within it emerges, which supposes a reform for standard scientific realism. The existence of facts independent of what we happen to think is saved alongside ineliminable mental phenomena.

Key aspects of successful science fair projects

ABSTRACT Students’ projects are a valuable way to gain experience with real science and motivate them towards a career in science. However, a description of a successful project is missing. To identify the key aspects of successful projects, we analysed biological projects presented in the national round of the Students’ Professional Activities. Particular projects presented in 10 years were evaluated based on, eg, branch of biology, number of authors, cooperation with experts, use of statistics or laboratory versus fieldwork, and county (region of origin within Czechia). Several different variables (eg, statistical analysis or additional work suggestions) pointed to the influential role of the supervisor, under whose guidance projects are more likely to be successful. Additionaly, projects carried out in the laboratory likely ranked better than those carried out in the field. Furthermore, we traced the influence of supportive teachers and show a high influence of the region on projects’ ranking revealing a potential socioeconomic inequity in access to science in Czechia. The trend of doing more biology work in the laboratory is reflected in increasing the percentage of laboratory-based projects over the ten years. We present a summary of how to conduct successful science projects.

Фабио Джирони. Что для нас сделал Кант? Спекулятивный реализм и динамическое кантианство (перевод О. А. Лунева-Коробского)

This publication is a Russian translation of F. Gironi’s paper devoted to a panoramic survey of attempts to relativize Kantian ideas about a priori knowledge. Gironi reconstructs various approaches and interpretations, focusing on the ideas of C. I. Lewis, H. Reichenbach, W. Sellars, and M. Friedman within the context of scientific realism, and relates such forms of dynamic Kantianism to recent speculative projects based on a critique or rejection of Kant’s legacy. In doing so, the author argues that Kant’s ideas on a priori conceptual structures form the core of debates about the role of philosophy vis-a-vis science, as opposed to variants of metaphysics and philosophy of science, which replace the so-called correlationist paradigm of transcendental critique with unconstrained speculation that falls out of step with the realities of modern science. The naturalized Kantianism of W. Sellars appears to be the most promising starting point for subsequent speculative – and transcendental – endeavours in the field of conceptualizing meta-conceptual frameworks that would meet the need to regulate and systematize the reality of scientific discourse. This is precisely what speculative realism, consistent with what we owe to Kant’s philosophy, is supposed to be.

On the Revision of Scientific Criteria in the Context of the Connection of Science and Practice

Introduction. An attempt to understand the need to change the scientometric indicators of legal research was made in this article. Recently, quantitative indicators of publication activity and citations of authors dominate in the assessment of scientific research. There are reasonable doubts about the possibility of measuring scientific creativity only by quantitative indicators. Indicators of scientific activity must systematically explain legal reality. Legal scientometrics needs to be improved so that within the framework of scientometric indicators the practical usefulness of research for law enforcement and the daily routine practice of the existence of legal matter should be taken into account. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The theoretical basis of the article is the works of foreign and domestic researchers and scientists on the problems and features of assessing the effectiveness of scientific research, scientometrics, philosophy and legal theory. While preparing the article, the following scientific research methods were used: measurement, comparison, axiomatic method, analysis, synthesis. Results. The purpose of this article is to identify possible directions of improving the performance indicators of legal science. As a result, measures are proposed to improve the indices of publication activity, as well as measures aimed at attracting wider interest of specialists in the field of jurisprudence and the ordinary population to scientific periodicals, including the allocation in the structure of scientific publications of sections devoted to practice-oriented publications, popular science applications, intended for the general population, etc. In addition, attention is attrected to the problem of publishing practice-oriented publications in international journals, and therefore it is proposed not to give them greater importance compared to domestic publications of the list of leading peer-reviewed journals. Discussion and Conclusion. There are no scientometric indicators that would be able to evaluate without the slightest error the results of a scientist’s activity in all the diversity of connections between his scientific works and reality. Therefore, it is possible to compare the relative effectiveness of scientific developments and areas of activity of scientists based on a combination of not only quantitative, but also qualitative analysis of publication activity.

Relative Frequency Controversies and the Growth of Biological Knowledge

Relative frequency controversies, so common in the biological sciences, pose something of a puzzle. Why do biologists routinely engage in disputes that (a) are rarely settled and (b) arguably wouldn’t yield interesting knowledge even if they were? Recent work suggests that relative frequency controversies can lead biologists to increase their understanding of the modal profile of the processes under dispute. Here, we consider some further consequences of this view. We contend that relative frequency controversies can generate recurrent, transient underdetermination about which causes are responsible for producing particular effects. As a result, the increases in understanding these controversies provide can come with decreases in biologists’ ability to offer warranted explanations. We argue that this fits with a toolkit view of biological theory, and suggest some implications for the scientific realism debate as it pertains to biological science.

The Evolution of the Bell Notion of Beable: From Bohr to Primitive Ontology

AbstractJohn S. Bell introduced the notion of beable, as opposed to the standard notion of observable, in order to emphasize the need for an unambiguous formulation of quantum mechanics. In the paper I show that Bell formulated in fact two different theories of beables. The first is somehow reminiscent of the Bohr views on quantum mechanics but, at the same time, is curiously adopted by Bell as a critical tool against the Copenhagen interpretation, whereas the second, more mature formulation was among the sources of inspiration of the so-called Primitive Ontology (PO) approach to quantum mechanics, an approach inspired to scientific realism. In the first part of the paper it is argued that, contrary to the Bell wishes, the first formulation of the theory fails to be an effective recipe for addressing the ambiguity underlying the standard formulation of quantum mechanics, whereas it is only the second formulation that successfully paves the way to the PO approach. In the second part, I consider how the distinction between the two formulations of the Bell theory of beables fares vis-a-vis the complex relationship between the theory of beables and the details of the PO approach.