Can science and knowledge be true when they arise from a human vantage point? Philosopher of Science Michela Massimi brings together realism and perspectivism to forge a new kind of realism about science.

Our ideas about science are shaped by two conflicting intuitions. On the one hand, science seems to reveal the truth about nature and the universe. On the other, all of our scientific knowledge must come from a specific perspective. How can we reconcile realism with perspectivism?

In this two-part course, Michela Massimi seeks to reconcile our two intuitions and forge a new kind of realism about science. She argues that her perspectival realism does what other theories fail to do: acknowledge that all science comes from a certain perspective while retaining the crucial grip on truth.

By the end of this course, you will have learned:

How scientific realism differs from anti-realism

How Hilary Putnam’s ‘No Miracles’ argument supports scientific realism

The difference between truth and objectivity

Why some philosophers argue that truth is not the aim of science

How five different forms of relativism differ

How Thomas Kuhn’s idea of paradigm shifts in science threatens realism

How perspectival realism reconciles our two conflicting intuitions

As part of the course there are in-video quiz questions to consolidate your learning, suggested further readings to stimulate a deeper exploration of the topic, discussion boards to have your say and an end-of-course assessment set by Professor Massimi.

Requirements

IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. No specialist knowledge is required.