What does the effective field theory approach to quantum field theory teach us about scientific realism? Explain and evaluate William’s idea of “effective realism”.
1. Use simple language: write how you speak
2. Give examples
-The best examples are one’s you come up with and that
aren’t too complicated or far-fetched.
-Say important things in more than one way. Give me an “in other words…” or “that is…” to fill-out your statement of the idea.
3. Spell. It. Out.
If you’re presenting an argument or objection, go through the steps
slowly and thoroughly. Don’t skip over the obvious stuff or make
assumptions. This is philosophy after all, nothing is obvious!
4. Give an argument or reasons for your view
Reasons for why you think what you do. Otherwise, it looks like just an opinion.
5. Give an example to make your point
A great way to show me why you think what you do is to give an example that captures your motivations. For instance, if you disagree with a position, you could try to come up with a counterexample to it.
6. Anticipate objections to your view
– Williams, P. “Scientific Realism Made Effective” British Journal for the Philosophy of Science