What are the main arguments in favor of scientific realism?

The main arguments in favor of scientific realism are as follows:

1. Success of science: Scientific realism argues that the success of science in explaining and predicting natural phenomena is a strong reason to believe in the existence of an external reality that is independent of our perceptions. The ability of scientific theories to consistently produce accurate results and technological advancements supports the idea that science provides us with genuine knowledge about the world.

2. No miracles argument: Scientific realism posits that the success of science cannot be attributed solely to luck or coincidence. The "no miracles argument" suggests that if scientific theories were merely convenient fictions or approximations, it would be highly improbable for them to consistently yield successful predictions and explanations. Therefore, the fact that science has been so successful implies that it accurately represents the underlying reality.

3. Progress over time: Scientific realism argues that science has made significant progress over time, refining and improving our understanding of the natural world. This progress is seen as evidence that scientific theories are approximating the truth about reality, as they build upon and correct previous theories. The cumulative growth of scientific knowledge supports the realist view that science is uncovering objective truths about the world.

4. Inference to the best explanation: Scientific realism utilizes the principle of inference to the best explanation, which suggests that the best explanation for the success of science is that it accurately represents the world. Realists argue that scientific theories provide the most coherent and comprehensive explanations for natural phenomena, and therefore, they should be accepted as true or approximately true.

5. Instrumental reliability: Scientific realism emphasizes the instrumental reliability of scientific theories. Realists argue that even if scientific theories are not completely accurate representations of reality, they are still reliable tools for making predictions and guiding technological advancements. The practical success of science in various fields, such as medicine and engineering, supports the realist position.

Overall, these arguments in favor of scientific realism highlight the empirical success, progress, and explanatory power of science as reasons to believe that scientific theories provide us with genuine knowledge about the world.