Cover and Martin's work: "Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues"
Cover and Martin’s work, “Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues,” is a collection of 49 readings on various topics and issues. One central theme that features in the book is empiricism and scientific realism, which Grover Maxwell, Van Fraassen, and Robert Brown covered in their respective articles. In modern society, the focal point of the argument is whether individuals should use methodical assertions and theories to guide their views and understanding of the world and the various scientific phenomena or not. In response to the opposing views, the authors felt the need to create a distinction between realism and empiricism with a focus on the concept of scientific discovery.
The concept of "realism"
The term “realism” as used in the book relates to an ideal world with little or no generalized scientific explanations. The true nature of the world according to realists is that its form and composition is independent of how human beings consider it (Cover and Martin 1095). In other words, the world and its objects, as well as the relationship established between the two factions, explain why the existence of objects is independent of human abilities to discover them (Cover and Martin 1112). However, anti-realists or constructive empiricists argue that scientific theories give adequate information about the true nature of the world and its objects, which depend on scientific discoveries.
The problem of determining truth under realism or empiricism
Is the truth about the world and its object an achievable goal under realism or empiricism? Cover and Martin’s work does not suggest the most appropriate approach for explaining the world and its objects. Therefore, it is true to indicate the problem of the world and the relationship with its objects has not been resolved. Moreover, I have tried to use the two concepts to describe the idea objects of the world and still found them confusing.
Work cited
Cover, Jan A., and Martin Curd. Philosophy of science: The central issues. New York: Norton, 1998.
