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The Extension Defended
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This chapter defends the argument in favour of optimism set out in Chapter 5 (OA2) by focusing on whether it operates with too low a standard for explanation. Three proposals for higher standards are considered in turn: 1) an explanation should provide what will be called ‘total information’; 2) an explanation should provide what will be called ‘reductive information’; 3) an explanation should provide what will be called ‘highly naturalistic information’. The latter concept arises from ideas about natural properties due to David Lewis. A discussion of Lewis on natural properties and their definition leads to a further discussion of scientific realism. All three proposals for higher standards are found wanting. At the end of the chapter, an assessment of the overall case for optimism set out in Chapters 3–6 is offered.
Title: The Extension Defended
Description:
This chapter defends the argument in favour of optimism set out in Chapter 5 (OA2) by focusing on whether it operates with too low a standard for explanation.
Three proposals for higher standards are considered in turn: 1) an explanation should provide what will be called ‘total information’; 2) an explanation should provide what will be called ‘reductive information’; 3) an explanation should provide what will be called ‘highly naturalistic information’.
The latter concept arises from ideas about natural properties due to David Lewis.
A discussion of Lewis on natural properties and their definition leads to a further discussion of scientific realism.
All three proposals for higher standards are found wanting.
At the end of the chapter, an assessment of the overall case for optimism set out in Chapters 3–6 is offered.
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