Realism, Rationality and Truth

Abstract

The aim of this book is to present in an accessible form Michael Dummett's arguments against metaphysical realism together with a realist reply to them. Dummett's arguments are highly ingenious but are difficult to follow and have been widely misunderstood by realists. My presentation aims to correct this so that the realist should be in no doubt as to what these arguments are. Realists often complain that Dummett's characterization of their position is incorrect, that it confuses metaphysics with semantics. Whilst there is a great deal of justice in these complaints it is hardly surprising that Dummett should do this since he believes that at bottom fundamental metaphysical issues such as those that divide realists from anti-realists just are semantic in nature.