%0 Journal Article
%T Models, truth and realism: assessing Bas van Fraassen's views on scientific representation
%A Ghins
%A Michel
%J Manuscrito
%D 2011
%I Universidade Estadual de Campinas
%R 10.1590/S0100-60452011000100010
%X this paper is devoted to an analysis of some aspects of bas van fraassen's views on representation. while i agree with most of his claims, i disagree on the following three issues. firstly, i contend that some isomorphism (or at least homomorphism) between the representor and what is represented is a universal necessary condition for the success of any representation, even in the case of misrepresentation. secondly, i argue that the so-called "semantic" or "model-theoretic" construal of theories does not give proper due to the role played by true propositions in successful representing practices. thirdly, i attempt to show that the force of van fraassen's pragmatic - and antirealist - "dissolution" of the "loss of reality objection" loses its bite when we realize that our cognitive contact with real phenomena is achieved not by representing but by expressing true propositions about them.
%K representation
%K realism
%K van fraassen
%K model
%K truth
%K predication.
%U http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S0100-60452011000100010&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en