theory pursuit – Diversity Reading List

Harp, Randall, Kareem Khalifa. Why Pursue Unification? A Social-Epistemological Puzzle

2015, Theoria. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science 30(3): 431-447.

Categories: Epistemology, Formal Social Epistemology, General Philosophy of Science, Metaphysics & Epistemology, Science Logic & Mathematics, Scientific Discovery, Unification Accounts of Explanation

Keywords: decision theory, theory pursuit, unification

Expand entry: Added by: Nick Novelli

Abstract: Many have argued that unified theories ought to be pursued wherever possible. We deny this on the basis of social-epistemological and game-theoretic considerations. Consequently, those seeking a more ubiquitous role for unification must either attend to the scientific community's social structure in greater detail than has been the case, and/or radically revise their conception of unification.

Comment: An interesting argument about how scientific practice influences the rationality of theory choice. Would be suited to any course where these issues are discussed.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Recommended use: Specialised reading

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