instrumentalism in a sentence
n.
📚 Grade Level: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Definition
Instrumentalism is a philosophical approach that views scientific theories as useful instruments for predicting phenomena rather than as accurate descriptions of reality.
Sample Sentences
- Instrumentalism suggests that theories are merely tools for prediction rather than reflections of reality.
- In the philosophy of science, instrumentalism is often contrasted with realism, which asserts that theories correspond to the truth.
- Many scientists embrace instrumentalism as it allows for practical applications without getting mired in metaphysical debates.
- Critics of instrumentalism argue that it fails to account for the explanatory power of scientific theories beyond mere utility.
- The rise of instrumentalism in the 20th century marked a significant shift in how scientists viewed the role of theoretical constructs.