Putnam's Model Theoretic Argument

Putnam's Model Theoretic Argument

Introduction

Hilary Putnam remains one of the leading American philosophers of recent years, and made ground breaking contributions to the field of metaphysics, philosophy, science, mathematics and logic. A study of his earlier career suggests that Putnam had, from the very beginning, shielded the science of realism, and defended his views against those who believed that strong scientific theories only refer to the “objective, mind independent features” of the world. Putnam bought forward his argument that for science to achieve objective success would be close to a miracle. His famous self-named model against the concept of metaphysical realism has been discussed among teachers and students for at least two decades now, and still retains its richness of argument. In this paper, I will list down this argument and tackle the authenticity of the model in undermining metaphysical realism. I believe that if language is conferred only in terms of It forming a relation between words and things, then one can hardly overlook the metaphysical realist point of view, however if viewed practically, paradox may be removed through addressing the roles of the user as well as the actual use. While Hilary Putnam has presented an obviously well-built argument stating that the situation of metaphysical realism provides a disjointed model of the relation of a accurate methodical hypothesis to the world, it can be argued that realism is actually formulated in such a manner that realists may not need to appeal to “intended” explanation of the theory in the first place. There is no doubt that Putnam's model against metaphysical realism and the idea of the “intended” understanding of the theory is solid and effective. However as time goes on there are certain doubts cropping up over its ability to deny all metaphysical realism, as well as arguments relating that realism in itself are impervious to Putnam's denigration. In scientific realists, the argument varies between whether novel predictions can be proven a success, to what can be expected if they come true. In the case of them being untrue, it would be close to a miracle to prove the consequences of a theory as being correct. Putnam claimed that "realism is the only philosophy that does not make the success of science a miracle" (Putnam, 1979, pp.73).

Discussion

It is apparent in his Putnam's earlier works that the most significant relating factors that are seen across Putnam's realism theories are related to the vital role of independence in the process of characterizing reality and information, as well as a preoccupation with intentionality and the questions that run along with it, resistance to a mixture of position that emerge out of rational positivism, an unremitting concern with norms and values and what is considered proper and accurate in relation to them, and an aversion to dichotomized philosophy. Putnam lived through three particular developmental processes with concern to his philosophical views, and al of these are related directly to scientific realism. In Putnam's model, there can be found a defense built ...