Models, scientific realism, the intelligibility of nature, and their cultural significance

Abdul Murad, M.H.S. (2011) Models, scientific realism, the intelligibility of nature, and their cultural significance. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A, 42 (2). pp. 253-261. ISSN 0039-3681,

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Abstract

In this article, I will view realist and non-realist accounts of scientific models within the larger context of the cultural significance of scientific knowledge. I begin by looking at the historical context and origins of the problem of scientific realism, and claim that it is originally of cultural and not only philosophical, significance. The cultural significance of debates on the epistemological status of scientific models is then related to the question of ‘intelligibility’ and how science, through models, can give us knowledge of the world by presenting us with an ‘intelligible account/picture of the world’, thus fulfilling its cultural-epistemic role. Realists typically assert that science can perform this role, while non-realists deny this. The various strategies adopted by realists and non-realists in making good their respective claims, is then traced to their cultural motivations. Finally I discuss the cultural implications of adopting realist or non-realist views of models through a discussion of the views of Rorty, Gellner, Van Fraassen and Clifford Hooker on the cultural significance of scientific knowledge.

Item Type:	Article
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Additional Information:	Prof. Dr. Mohd Hazim Shah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies in Science from Manchester University, England, a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the London School of Economics, and a PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Pittsburgh, U.S.A. In 1993 he was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of History & Philosophy of Science, University of Melbourne, Australia. From January to June 2008 he spent his sabbatical leave at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, as a Visiting Scholar. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Science and Technology Studies, University of Malaya, where he teaches the history, philosophy, and sociology of science. He has been the Deputy President of the Malaysian Social Science Association since 2000. His research interest includes theoretical studies on science and culture, and comparative epistemology.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Models; Intelligibility; Scientific realism; Culture
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Department of Science and Technology Studies
Depositing User:	Ms Saidatul Azura Radzi
Date Deposited:	04 Mar 2014 09:28
Last Modified:	04 Mar 2014 09:28
URI:	http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/9347

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