Which of the following are considered in favour of scientific realism?
A. Corroboration
B. Empiricism
C. Miracle argument
D. Selective optimism

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

The correct answer is A, C, and D only.

1. Scientific realism is the view that the world described by science is real and exists independently of human perception. Several arguments and concepts support this perspective, including corroboration, the miracle argument, and selective optimism.
2. Corroboration refers to the idea that scientific theories are supported by evidence and empirical data, which strengthens the case for realism.
3. The miracle argument argues that if a scientific theory is successful in explaining and predicting phenomena, it is likely that the theory’s claims about the unobservable are also true.
4. Selective optimism in scientific realism is the idea that we can be optimistic about the success of science in uncovering truths about the world, especially when the scientific community has consistently made progress in understanding natural phenomena.

Information Booster
1. Corroboration:
1.1 Corroboration is the process of confirming or supporting a scientific theory with empirical evidence. In the context of scientific realism, corroboration strengthens the argument that scientific theories correspond to an objective reality.
1.2 A theory is corroborated when it accurately predicts new phenomena and withstands rigorous testing, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms it posits are likely real and not just useful fictions.

2. Miracle Argument:
2.1 The miracle argument is a form of reasoning used to defend scientific realism. It asserts that the success of scientific theories in explaining and predicting phenomena is best explained by the assumption that theoretical entities (such as atoms, molecules, etc.) really exist.
2.2 If scientific theories did not accurately reflect the true nature of reality, it would be a "miracle" that they continue to be successful over time. Therefore, the miracle argument claims that the success of science is best explained by assuming the truth of scientific theories.

3. Selective Optimism:
3.1 Selective optimism in the context of scientific realism refers to the idea that we can be cautiously optimistic about the success of science in revealing the nature of the world, especially given the historical track record of science in providing increasingly accurate models of reality.
3.2 This optimism is selective in that it applies to certain areas of science where empirical success is particularly strong, such as in physics and chemistry, while being more cautious about areas where scientific progress is slower or less certain.

Additional Information

Empiricism (Option B):
1.1 Empiricism is the philosophical view that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. It emphasizes the role of observation and experimentation in the acquisition of knowledge.
1.2 While empiricism is important to scientific practice, it is not specifically an argument in favor of scientific realism. Empiricism is more aligned with the verificationist approach to knowledge, which is distinct from the realist view that the world exists independently of human perception.