An Introduction to Scientific Realism

Scientific realism is the viewpoint that considers the theoretical entities dealt with in scientific theories as having an existence which is independent of the mind and scientific theories. According to this view, entities such as atoms, molecules, waves, electrons, and etc. are ontologically independent, and knowing them is possible through scientific theories. In contrast, scientific instrumentalists challenge the realists in both of their claims, and ontologically deny the existence of any independent theoretical entity. By denying their independent existence, the claim on knowing them will be meaningless. Having examined the views in these two trends, we concluded that the conflict between these two trends still continues; none of them has been able to overtake the other, and the evidence provided by each of them has not defeated or eliminated the opposite trend. Using the descriptive-analytical method, this paper analyzes the views of realists and instrumentalists, and aims to examine and explain the arguments of scientific realism and its superiority over instrumentalism.