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What's so special about empirical adequacy?

Sindhuja Bhakthavatsalam1, Nancy Cartwright2,3

  • 11Liberal Studies Program, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA USA.

European Journal for Philosophy of Science
|February 4, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Empirical adequacy is not essential for scientific theories to be useful. Theories can effectively aid understanding and managing the world, even if not perfectly matching all observable facts.

Keywords:
Aims of scienceAntirealismEmpirical adequacyPragmatismScientific realismScientific truthScientific understanding

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Theoretical Frameworks

Background:

  • Scientific theories are often evaluated based on empirical adequacy, which is the ability to accurately predict observable phenomena.
  • Both scientific realists and antirealists consider empirical adequacy a key criterion for theory acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the primacy of empirical adequacy in evaluating scientific theories.
  • To propose alternative criteria for theory evaluation: understanding and managing the world.
  • To investigate the role of empirical adequacy in achieving these alternative goals.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of the roles of scientific theories.
  • Philosophical argumentation regarding the utility of empirical adequacy.
  • Exploration of how theories contribute to understanding and managing the world.

Main Results:

  • Empirical adequacy is not a necessary condition for a theory to facilitate understanding.
  • Empirical adequacy can hinder efficient world management and understanding.
  • Understanding and managing the world are often more important functions of theories than empirical adequacy.

Conclusions:

  • The traditional emphasis on empirical adequacy in science may be misplaced.
  • Alternative criteria, such as explanatory power and practical utility, should be prioritized.
  • Rethinking theory evaluation can lead to more effective scientific progress.