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Confirmation Theory and Indispensability
Citation
Colyvan, M, Confirmation Theory and Indispensability, Philosophical Studies, 96, (1) pp. 1-19. ISSN 0031-8116 (1999) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1023/A:1004248218844
Abstract
In this paper I examine Quine's indispensability argument, with particular emphasis on what is meant by 'indispensable'. I show that confirmation theory plays a crucial role in answering this question and that once indispensability is understood in this light, Quine's argument is seen to be a serious stumbling block for any scientific realist wishing to maintain an anti-realist position with regard to mathematical entities. © 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Philosophy and Religious Studies |
| Research Group: | Philosophy |
| Research Field: | Epistemology |
| Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
| Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
| Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in philosophy and religious studies |
| UTAS Author: | Colyvan, M (Dr Mark Colyvan) |
| ID Code: | 16986 |
| Year Published: | 1999 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 15 |
| Deposited By: | Philosophy |
| Deposited On: | 1999-08-01 |
| Last Modified: | 2011-08-05 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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