Exploring the Practice-Dominated Philosophy of Science: Moving Beyond Relativism

Abstract

This paper investigates the concept of the practice-dominated philosophy of science and its implications for moving beyond relativism. Drawing upon recent developments in the philosophy of science, particularly the focus on scientific practices, methodologies, and contexts, we examine how this perspective offers new insights into the nature of scientific knowledge and its relation to truth and objectivity. By analyzing case studies from various scientific disciplines, we explore how scientific practices shape the production, validation, and interpretation of knowledge, challenging traditional views of scientific inquiry as purely theory-driven and value-neutral. Furthermore, we discuss how the practice-dominated approach enables a more nuanced understanding of scientific realism, acknowledging the role of contextual factors, social dynamics, and pragmatic considerations in scientific reasoning and justification. Through this analysis, we argue that the practice-dominated philosophy of science offers a fruitful framework for reconciling realism with epistemic humility and contextual sensitivity, thereby transcending simplistic relativistic views of scientific knowledge.