Ontic structural realists draw support for their view from fundamental theories in modern physics. Quantum mechanics is uncontroversially regarded as being amongst those theories. In this paper, I defend the idea that quantum mechanics cannot play this role of a fundamental theory without assuming that a solution for the measurement problem is available. I go on to illustrate that, in the light...

Abstract Nomic realists have traditionally put laws to work within a theory of natural modality, in order provide metaphysical source for causal necessitation, counterfactuals, and dispositions. However, are well-suited perform other as well. Necessitation is widespread phenomenon includes (for example) cases categorial, conceptual, grounding, mathematical normative necessitation. A permissive ...

In The empirical stance, Bas van Fraassen argues for a reconceptualization of empiricism, and a rejection of its traditional rival, speculative metaphysics, as part of a larger and provocative study in epistemology. Central to his account is the notion of voluntarism in epistemology, and a concomitant understanding of the nature of rationality. In this paper I give a critical assessment of thes...

Instead of examining critical realism directly, this essay critically examines claims made by two prominent critical realists, namely Andrew Collier and Tony Lawson, on behalf of their philosophy. These are (a) that critical realism supports Marx’s law of the tendency of the rate of profit to fall, and (b) that critical realism is illustrated by the workplace organisation theory of the relative...

This essay deals with the concept of truth in the context of a version of internal realism. In §1 I define some variants of realism using a set of realistic axioms. In §2 I will argue that for semantical reasons we should be realists of some kind. In §3 I plead for an internalistic setting of realism starting from the thesis that truth is, at least, not a non-epistemic concept. We have to bear ...

Critical realism, championed by its proponents as the most promising post-positivist social science paradigm, has gained significant influence in last few decades. This paper provides a critical evaluation of realism movement hope facilitating more fruitful dialogues between and rivalling schools sociologists. Two concerns are raised about contemporary realism. First, is not only philosophical ...

In The empirical stance, Bas van Fraassen argues for a reconceptualization of empiricism, and a rejection of its traditional rival, speculative metaphysics, as part of a larger and provocative study in epistemology. Central to his account is the notion of voluntarism in epistemology, and a concomitant understanding of the nature of rationality. In this paper I give a critical assessment of thes...

Realists about mental disorder have been hasty dismissing social explanations of how is constituted. However, many ontologies are realist ontologies. In order to create a meaningful distinction between realism and metaphysics disorder, I propose that best understood as Individual Trait Realism (ITR) them. For ITR, disorders exist in virtue traits. defend the view ITR compatible with metaphysics...

This essay is a reply to the three response essays discussing our “Journalism studies for realists: Decentering journalism while keeping studies.” Recognizing value of their comments and criticisms, reiterates clarifies claims central argument decentering in studies: that metaphorical “decentering” lies broadening field’s conceptual empirical horizons; there not taking normative assumptions gra...

The paper develops a conceptual framework to advance the understanding on theorising the sociomateriality of Information technology (IT) especially with regards to a complex inverse information infrastructure (II) that depicts emergent usage behaviour. Drawing on Archer’s morphogenetic approach, derived from the critical realism (CR) philosophy, we discuss the relevance of understanding theory/...