[Critical-Realism] Summary of RTS2 Preface

["Brian Dick" <briandick51@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

I hope that this helps in generating discussion and gaining a better
understanding of RTS2.  I always enjoy going back and reading it.

Cheers,
Brian


*Summary of RTS2*



PREFACE (6)



Bhaskar's primary aim in his study is to provide a "systematic realist
account of science" as an alternative to positivism and to show why
(subsidiary aim) "no return to positivism is possible" (8).

   - This will be done by showing that the limited conditions under which
   positivism is plausible are also those "conditions under which experience is
   significant in science."



Bhaskar identifies two strands of critical activity that have taken place in
the philosophy of science in recent years (circa 1975).

1.)    Focuses on the *social* character of science.

a.       Looks at scientific change and development.

b.      Critical of any monistic interpretation of scientific development.

c.       Examples: Kuhn, Popper, Lakatos, Feyerabend, Toulmin, Polanyi,
Ravetz

2.)    Focuses on the *stratification* of science.

a.       Stresses difference between explanation and prediction

b.      Emphasizes role played by scientific models

c.       Critical of deductivist view of the structure of scientific
theories

d.      Critical of exclusively formal accounts of science.

e.       Examples: Scriven, Hanson, Hesse, Harre.

Bhaskar will attempt to synthesize these two critical strands.

   - This is the "'Copernican Revolution' in the philosophy of science"
   (9)
      - Citing Harre's, *Principles of Scientific Thinking*



The basic principle of a realist theory of science: "perception gives us
access to things and experimental activity access to structures that exist
independently of us…"

   - Implications:
      - Causal laws: are the tendencies of things (not conjunctions of
      events).
      - Constant conjunction of events: neither necessary nor
      sufficient condition for a causal law.



Thus, Bhaskar hopes to give an adequate account of science:

   - A 'philosophy *for* science' (10)
      - Philosophy as an *under-laborer* of science
      - Philosophy as an occasional *mid-wife* of science



"Civilisation is, like man himself, perhaps nothing more than a temporary
rupture in the normal order of things. It is thus also part of the job of
the philosopher to show the limits of science. And, in this broader sense,
to seek to ensure that the Owl of Minerva takes flight before the final
falling of the dusk."
_______________________________________________
Critical-Realism mailing list
Critical-Realism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/critical-realism