Experimental criteria for accessing reality: Perrin’s experimental demonstration of atoms and molecules

This paper develops an approach to the scientific realism debate that has three main features. First, our admits multiple criteria of reality, i.e., that, if satisfied, warrant belief in reality hypothetical entities. Second, is experiment-based sense it focuses on are satisfied by experiments as opposed theories. Third, local particular kinds We apply this a case many philosophers have debated, namely, Jean Perrin’s work atoms and molecules. provide novel account arguing warranted minimal molecules unobservable, discrete particles satisfying criterion we call experimental determination number per unit. By doing so, he confirmed Avogadro’s hypothesis, but did not confirm other key constituents atomic theories involved. argue preferable several accounts, use reason support more generally.