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Against methodological continuity and metaphysical knowledge
1Philosophy Department, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
European Journal for Philosophy of Science
|January 16, 2023
Summary
This paper argues that scientific realists cannot use the reliability of inference to the best explanation (IBE) in science to justify its use in metaphysics. Methodological continuity between science and metaphysics is not a valid argument for epistemic realism.
Area of Science:
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- The 'methodological continuity' argument suggests metaphysics is as rationally justified as science.
- This argument hinges on both fields employing inference to the best explanation (IBE).
- Scientific realists often use IBE to justify scientific claims.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refute the 'methodological continuity' argument for epistemic realism in metaphysics.
- To demonstrate that the justification for IBE in science does not extend to metaphysics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the justification of inference to the best explanation (IBE).
- Comparison of the application and justification of IBE in scientific versus metaphysical contexts.
- Examination of the realist-empiricist debate on IBE legitimacy.
Main Results:
- Reasons for IBE's reliability in science (e.g., empirical considerations, predictive power) are absent in metaphysics.
- The justification of IBE in science and metaphysics are distinct issues.
- Metaphysicians cannot rely on scientific realists' defenses of IBE.
Conclusions:
- The 'methodological continuity' argument fails because IBE's justification differs between science and metaphysics.
- Even if accepted, the argument does not yield agreed-upon metaphysical conclusions.
- Epistemic realism based on methodological continuity is not supported.
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