What are empirical consequences? On dispensability and composite objects

Abstract Philosophers sometimes give arguments that presuppose the following principle: two theories can fail to be empirically equivalent on sole basis they present different “thick” metaphysical pictures of world. Recently, a version this principle has been invoked respond argument composite objects are dispensable our best scientific theories. This response claims empirical evidence distinguishes between ordinary and composite-free theories, it favors ones (Hofweber 2016, 2018). In paper, I ask whether dispensability is tenable. claim not. because presupposes an indefensible thesis about when consequences distinct or same. My provides some insight into what are, conclude radically metaphysically neutral. gives us significant content theories—the realist committed to—and show how relates questions theoretical equivalence more broadly.