Science and necessity

Abstract

This book espouses an innovative theory of scientific realism in which due weight is given to mathematics and logic. The authors argue that mathematics can be understood realistically if it is seen to be the study of universals, of properties and relations, of patterns and structures, the sorts of things which can be in several places at once. Taking this kind of scientific Platonism as their point of depar- ture, they show how the theory of universals can account for proba- bility, laws of nature, causation, and explanation, and they explore the consequences in all these fields. This will be an important book for all philosophers of science, logicians, and metaphysicians, and their graduate students. It will also appeal to those outside philosophy interested in the interrela- tionship of philosophy and science.