Practical Realist Philosophy of Science: Reflecting on Rein Vihalemm’s Ideas

The Estonian philosopher of science Rein Vihalemm (1938-2015) left two prominent and fruitful philosophical-methodological legacies that continue to captivate philosophers of science: a methodological distinction of scientific disciplines and the practical realist philosophy of science. Edited by Ave Mets, Endla Lõhkivi, Peeter Müürsepp, and Jaana Eigi-Watkin, Practical Realist Philosophy of Science: Reflecting on Rein Vihalemm’s Ideas explores some of these fruits that have sprung from philosophy of science, and the applications of those approaches through three main ideas: (back)grounds of the practical approach, metaphysics of practices, and special sciences. The first part features authors who juxtapose Vihalemm’s approach with those of prominent philosophers on the practical and material basis of cognition, providing support and refinement to his framework. The second part delves into the metaphysical aspects of science and practices, and comprehending them. The third part centers around examples of Vihalemm’s approach to specific scientific disciplines within chemistry, biology and humanities. These diverse implications outlined in this book, supported by solid ground and compelling argumentation, offer an original contribution to this field.

Ave Mets is research fellow of philosophy of science at the Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics at the University of Tartu.

Endla Lõhkivi is associate professor of philosophy of science at the University of Tartu.

Peeter Müürsepp is associate professor at Tallinn University of Technology.

Jaana Eigi-Watkin is research fellow in philosophy of science at the Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics at the University of Tartu.