There Are No Such Things as Theories considers the fundamental question: what is a scientific theory? It presents a range of options - from theories are sets of propositions, to theories are families of models, abstract artefacts, or fictions - and highlights the various problems they all face. In so doing it draws multiple comparisons between theories and artworks: on the one hand, theories are like certain kinds of paintings with regard to their representational capacity; on the other, they are like musical works in that they can be multiply presented. An alternative answer to the question is then offered, drawing on the metaphysics of musical works: there are no such things as theories. Nevertheless, we can still talk about them, since that talk is made true by the various practices that scientists engage in. The implications of this form of eliminativism for the realism debate is then discussed and it is concluded that this may offer a more flexible framework in which we can understand both the history and the philosophy of science in general.

About the Author
Steven French obtained his PhD with Michael Redhead at the University of London in 1985. He has taught at universities in Brazil and the USA before moving to Leeds in 1993 where he is Professor of Philosophy of Science. He is the author of numerous books and papers in the philosophy of science and is currently Co-Editor-in-Chief of The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science.

Reviews
a bold and ambitious look at the question of what sorts of things scientific theories are-or rather, what they are not. . . . the book is a fascinating and rich contribution to the literature, and one which highly rewards being read closely * Neil Dewar, Mind *
French's book provides the latest word on the nature of scientific theories, and so it should be at the top of the reading list for any philosopher of science. This book will alsobe of interest to general philosophers working in areas such as logic, epistemology, metaphysics, and even philosophy of art * Hans Halvorson, Journal for General Philosophy of Science *
Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. * E. Kincanon, CHOICE *
French's book is a tour de force through various extant and conceivable views of the ontological status of theories. * Finnur Dellsen, Metascience *
This is an engaging and challenging book: French skillfully uses the ongoing debates about the nature of theories and models in the philosophy of science to develop an intriguing account of what philosophers of science should really be up to. * Christopher Pincock, Metascience *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198848158
Author Steven French
Format Hardback
Page Count 284
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 242mm * 160mm * 20mm