
The Instrument of Science Scientific Anti-Realism Revitalised | Philosophy
Product information for The Instrument of Science Scientific Anti-Realism Revitalised | Philosophy
Rediscover the power of instrumentalism with Routledge’s latest philosophical offering, "The Instrument of Science: Scientific Anti-Realism Revitalised." In this groundbreaking work, author Darrell P. Rowbottom breathes new life into a historically overlooked perspective, presenting cognitive instrumentalism as a sophisticated and resilient framework for understanding scientific progress. Unlike earlier forms of instrumentalism, which faced significant criticism, this revitalized approach centers on three compelling theses. Science achieves theoretical progress primarily by enhancing predictive power and deepening our understanding of observable phenomena. When scientific discourse refers to unobservable entities, it should be interpreted literally only when connected to observable properties or analogies. Moreover, claims about the unobservable are unlikely to be approximately true or to evolve toward greater truthlikeness. Rowbottom grounds his arguments in rich historical context, drawing from developments in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century chemistry and physics, with a special focus on atomic theory. Through these examples, he illustrates how cognitive instrumentalism aligns with real scientific practice, offering a coherent alternative to dominant realist views. A key insight of the book is the concept of empirical understanding—a form of comprehension achievable without relying on true or approximately true representations of unobservable realities. Rowbottom also clarifies the observable-unobservable distinction and thoughtfully contrasts cognitive instrumentalism with contemporary positions such as structural realism, constructive empiricism, and semirealism. Ideal for scholars, students, and anyone engaged in the realism debate within philosophy of science, this book provides a robust, accessible, and persuasive defense of instrumentalism. Explore this essential contribution to modern philosophical discourse at Routledge.com, your trusted source for academic excellence and pioneering thought.





















