Realism

Title
Realism
Publication Date
2010
Author(s)
Khlentzos, Drew M
Editor
Editor(s): Graham Oppy, NN Trakakis
Type of document
Entry In Reference Work
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Monash University Publishing
Place of publication
Melbourne, Australia
Edition
1
UNE publication id
une:7759
Abstract
To some, Australian realism and Australian materialism are one and the same. However in contrast to 'Australian materialism', the term 'Australian realism' connotes an attitude as much as a doctrine: a no-nonsense approach to a cluster of tangled philosophical questions issuing in a blend of common-sense realism, scientific realism and materialism. In fact, realism and materialism are not the same. There is no reason why metaphysical realism or its specification as 'common-sense' realism should commit its adherents to scientific realism. Nor is there any reason why realism should assume a materialist form. Still less that a no-nonsense approach to science, metaphysics and mind should inevitably result in commitment to either realism or materialism. That one still encounters the three doctrines confounded is largely the result of a historical contingency: that the powerful intellects and personalities that shaped the small community of Australasian philosophy all happened to be forceful advocates of realism both metaphysical and scientific, and also of materialism.
Link
Citation
A Companion to Philosophy in Australia and New Zealand, p. 483-487
ISBN
9780980651201
9780980651218
Start page
483
End page
487

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