Abstract: 1. scientific Representation: Paradoxes of Perspective is an extensive volume made up of four parts as well as four appendices. The first part is dedicated to a general reflection regarding what a representation is; the second offers an epistemological analysis of the problems connected to scientific observation with instruments and to the coordination of mathematical formalisms to experience, paying particular attention to measurement processes; the third part presents an in-depth historical and theoretical discussion on the various forms of structuralism in the philosophy of science; the fourth and final part discusses, instead, different ways of conceiving the relationship between “appearance” and “reality,” as well as the pretence to obtain a criteria in order to explain how the appearances which we observe are produced starting from the primitives introduced by scientific theories. Many aspects of this work are worthy of discussion: from the proposal for a empiricist structuralism, to the interpretation of experimental observation outlined in chapter IV: an interpretation which, although it could be questioned, appears to be one of the most profound attempts to account for the possibilities of experience which have been opened up by modern technological instrumentation, in a way which is compatible with scientific antirealism. As it is impossible to make an overall summary of this rich and composite volume, I would like to limit myself in such circumstances to propose a preliminary reconnaissance and summary of some of the ideas that the volume offers regarding the relationship between scientific representations and the conditions, experiences, knowledge and practices of the subjects that make use of them.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot