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Confirmation Theory and Indispensability
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 11:49 authored by Colyvan, MIn this paper I examine Quine's indispensability argument, with particular emphasis on what is meant by 'indispensable'. I show that confirmation theory plays a crucial role in answering this question and that once indispensability is understood in this light, Quine's argument is seen to be a serious stumbling block for any scientific realist wishing to maintain an anti-realist position with regard to mathematical entities. © 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.
History
Publication title
Philosophical StudiesVolume
96Pagination
1-19ISSN
0031-8116Department/School
School of HumanitiesPublisher
Springer NetherlandsPlace of publication
NetherlandsRepository Status
- Restricted