The Destiny of Atomism in Modern Science and Structural Realism

Authors

  • Elena Mamchur

Keywords:

Plato's (mathematical) atomism, structural realism, argument of pessimistic induction, rational reconstruction, theory change, generative entrenchment

Abstract

The article deals with Plato’s (mathematical) version of antique atomism which in many respects anticipated the ideas of modern physics. The author connects mathematical atomism with the so-called structural realism – which is now considered by many philosophers of science as the most defensible form of scientific realism. The concept of structural realism has made it possible to undermine the argument of “pessimistic induction” and to bring a significant contribution to the rational reconstruction of the procedure of theory-change. It is supposed that the association of structural realism with Plato’s atomism would make it possible to take out the latter from the sphere of natural philosophy and to place it in the frames of rational discussions on the structure of being.

Author Biography

  • Elena Mamchur

    DSc in Philosophy, Professor, Main Research Fellow, Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences

Published

2020-04-13

Issue

Section

Philosophy and Culture

How to Cite

[1]
2020. The Destiny of Atomism in Modern Science and Structural Realism. Voprosy Filosofii. 5 (Apr. 2020), 158–167.