Philosophy Scientific Realism Questions Medium
Scientific realism and naturalism are two distinct philosophical positions, although they share some similarities.
Scientific realism is a position that asserts the existence of an external reality that is independent of our perceptions and theories. It holds that scientific theories aim to provide an accurate description of this reality, and that the entities and processes posited by these theories are real and exist objectively. Scientific realists believe that scientific knowledge progresses through empirical observation, experimentation, and the development of theories that accurately represent the natural world.
On the other hand, naturalism is a broader philosophical position that encompasses various perspectives, including scientific realism. Naturalism holds that the natural world is all that exists and that everything can be explained by natural causes and laws. It rejects supernatural or metaphysical explanations and emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in understanding the world.
While scientific realism focuses specifically on the nature of scientific theories and their relationship to reality, naturalism extends beyond science to encompass a broader worldview. Naturalism encompasses not only the scientific domain but also other areas of human knowledge, such as ethics, aesthetics, and social sciences. It seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the world based on naturalistic principles.
In summary, the main difference between scientific realism and naturalism lies in their scope. Scientific realism is primarily concerned with the nature of scientific theories and their correspondence to reality, while naturalism is a broader philosophical position that encompasses a naturalistic worldview across various domains of knowledge.