Work

Scientific Theory and Possibility

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: It is plausible that the models of scientific theories correspond to possibilities. But how do we know which models of which scientific theories so correspond? This paper provides a novel proposal for guiding belief about possibilities via scientific theories. The proposal draws on the notion of an effective theory: a theory that applies very well to a particular, restricted domain. We argue that it is the models of effective theories that we should believe correspond, at least in part, to possibilities. It is thus effective theories that should guide modal reasoning in science.

Source: Erkenntnis

DOI: 10.1007/s10670-025-00939-3

Authors: Sam Baron, Baptiste Le Bihan, James Read

Institutions: The University of Melbourne, University of Geneva, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and History of Science

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,290

OpenAlex ID: W4407956572

FWCI: 6.886

Cites: 30

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10