The abundant world: Paul Feyerabend's metaphysics of science. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Volume 57(2016)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Paul K. Feyerabend -- Scientific realism -- Metaphysics of science -- Materialism -- Values in science -- Science in democracy; Science -- History -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2015.11.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3681

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to provide an interpretation of Feyerabend's metaphysics of science as found in late works like Conquest of Abundance and Tyranny of Science . Feyerabend's late metaphysics consists of an attempt to criticize and provide a systematic alternative to traditional scientific realism, a package of views he sometimes referred to as "scientific materialism." Scientific materialism is objectionable not only on metaphysical grounds, nor because it provides a poor ground for understanding science, but because it implies problematic claims about the epistemic and cultural authority of science, claims incompatible with situating science properly in democratic societies. I show how Feyerabend's metaphysical view, which I call "the abundant world" or "abundant realism, " constitute a sophisticated and challenging form of ontological pluralism that makes interesting connections with contemporary philosophy of science and issues of the political and policy role of science in a democratic society. Highlights: Provides an interpretation of Feyerabend's metaphysics of science as found in late works like Conquest of Abundance . Feyerabend's late metaphysics consists of an attempt to criticize and replace traditional scientific realism aka materialism. I describe Feyerabend's alternative view, "the abundant world" or "abundant realism." Feyerabend ultimately seeks to use metaphysics to improve the fit between science and democratic society.