A Minimal Metaphysics for Scientific Practice

By Andreas Httemann and Andreas Hüttemann

What are the metaphysical commitments which best 'make sense' of our scientific practice (rather than our scientific theories)? In this book, Andreas H ttemann provides a minimal metaphysics for scientific practice, i.e. a metaphysics that refrains from postulating any structure that is explanatorily irrelevant. H ttemann closely analyses paradigmatic aspects of scientific practice, such as prediction, explanation and manipulation, to consider the questions whether and (if so) what metaphysical presuppositions best account for these practices. He looks at the role which scientific generalisation (laws of nature) play in predicting, testing, and explaining the behaviour of systems. He also develops a theory of causation in terms of quasi-inertial processes and interfering factors, and he proposes an account of reductive practices that makes minimal metaphysical assumptions. His book will be valuable for scholars and advanced students working in both philosophy of science and metaphysics.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1316519392
• ISBN13: 9781316519394
• Release Date: July 2021
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"