IDEA November 2013 | Page 3

Editorial

By: Arnel Espanol

Over the last few centuries, science has come up with new ways to explain reality. As of today, society generally accepts these explanations as truth. In this issue of insert title here, we will introduce the instrumentalist, realist, and conceptual relativist view on the truth that can be revealed through science.

Looking back on the twentieth century, many new scientific theories were acknowledged by scientists. This includes the atomic theory of matter. It indicates that all matter is composed of atoms that consist of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus.

“If we assume that matter is partly made of little electrons, we can predict that the dials on detectors will move when matter collides [in a particle accelerator]. But this does not mean it is literally true that little electrons exist… With this assumption, we can make accurate predictions.” (Velasques 399).

You don’t have to believe that these tiny particles literally exist. If such a theory works and we act as if these unobservable entities exist, then it would be practical to use it as a “tool” to make scientific predictions to satisfy our needs.

If you are not satisfied with this instrumentalist view, the realist view may suit your liking. The actuality of matter corresponds to the atomic theory of matter; therefore, it exists and the theory is true. Because it is true, accurate predictions are possible.

If you are still unsatisfied, perhaps your opinions will cohere with the conceptual relativist view. “Research methods, programs, theories, and values are a “conceptual framework,” or a system of beliefs about the world.” (Velasquez, 401). The truth, in terms of scientific theory, is what coheres with the conceptual framework that has been accepted by a community of scientists.

For hundreds of centuries, the Catholic Church had a strong influence on the beliefs of the community. It was believed that truth could only be found in the bible. Any opposition to the church, especially the scientific community, was rejected and received persecution. Even Copernicus had to publish his theory of how earth orbits around the sun as an instrumentalist theory to prevent conflict with the church.

However, time has passed and the views of society have changed drastically since the sixteen hundreds. Unlike the narrow minded perception of truth that the Catholic Church provided at the time, science has given way to a wide variety of views and opinions. The instrumentalist, realist, and conceptual relativist views cover almost all aspects of the truth that is revealed through science. From what will be provided in this issue of insert title here, you (the perceiving reader) can deduce a good explanation to whether there’s truth in science.