[SydPhil] MQ Philosophy Talk: Tuesday, 3 April, 13:00, Moot Court room: Michael Devitt (CUNY)

[Michael Olson]

Justifying Scientific Realism: Forget About “The No-Miracles Argument”
Michael Devitt (Graduate Center, CUNY)

Date: 3 April
Time: 13:00-14:00
Venue: Moot Court Room, W3A (6 First Walk) 328*
All welcome

*Note the changing venues this semester


Abstract: Why believe in scientific realism? The answer that overwhelms the mainstream debate is “the no miracles argument” (“NMA”): realism best explains the observational success of scientific theories. Yet more than thirty years ago another argument was proposed that has been called “the basic argument” (“BA”): realism best explains the observed phenomena. BA has been almost entirely ignored since. The paper argues that this is a serious mistake. BA is a good argument for realism, NMA is dubious one. In light of this, realists should forget about NMA and settle for BA. Why has BA been ignored? Experience suggests that philosophers find it too close to science and mistakenly hanker after a “more philosophical” justification for realism. No such justification is needed or desirable.


Contact: Adam Hochman (adam.hochman at mq.edu.au<mailto:adam.hochman at mq.edu.au>) or Mike Olson (michael.olson at mq.edu.au<mailto:michael.olson at mq.edu.au>)

A google calendar with details of other events in this series is available here<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/tpxuCK1qJZtZVYx9iMccBT?domain=michael-olson.com>.

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Dr Michael Olson
Lecturer, Modern European Philosophy

Department of Philosophy  |   2nd Floor, Australian Hearing Hub
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia

T: +61 2 9850 6895<tel:%2B61%202%209850%206895>  |  arts.mq.edu.au<http://arts.mq.edu.au/>  |  www.michael-olson.com<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/XCfECL7rK8tl6gMXFql6kp?domain=michael-olson.com>


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---

Dr Michael Olson
Lecturer, Modern European Philosophy

Department of Philosophy
Level 2, The Australian Hearing Hub
16 University Avenue
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia

T: +61 2 9850 6895<tel:%2B61%202%209850%206895>  |  arts.mq.edu.au<http://arts.mq.edu.au/> |  www.michael-olson.com<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/XCfECL7rK8tl6gMXFql6kp?domain=michael-olson.com>


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