Dynamical Systems Theory and Explanatory Indispensability. Saatsi, J. Philosophy of Science, 84(5):892–904, December, 2017. Paper doi abstract bibtex I examine explanations' realist commitments in relation to dynamical systems theory. First I rebut an 'explanatory indispensability argument' for mathematical realism from the explanatory power of phase spaces. Then I critically consider a possible way of strengthening the indispensability argument by reference to attractors in dynamical systems theory. The take-home message is that understanding of the modal character of explanations (in dynamical systems theory) can undermine Platonist arguments from explanatory indispensability.
@article{saatsi_dynamical_2017,
title = {Dynamical {Systems} {Theory} and {Explanatory} {Indispensability}},
volume = {84},
issn = {00318248},
url = {http://0-search.ebscohost.com.wncln.wncln.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hus&AN=126784769&site=ehost-live},
doi = {10.1086/693965},
abstract = {I examine explanations' realist commitments in relation to dynamical systems theory. First I rebut an 'explanatory indispensability argument' for mathematical realism from the explanatory power of phase spaces. Then I critically consider a possible way of strengthening the indispensability argument by reference to attractors in dynamical systems theory. The take-home message is that understanding of the modal character of explanations (in dynamical systems theory) can undermine Platonist arguments from explanatory indispensability.},
number = {5},
urldate = {2020-01-17},
journal = {Philosophy of Science},
author = {Saatsi, Juha},
month = dec,
year = {2017},
keywords = {Philosophers, Philosophy of mathematics, Philosophy of science, Platonists, Scientists' attitudes},
pages = {892--904}
}
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