Local realism

an analysis of social choice theory

Obdulia Torres González

pp. 339-351

in: Dennis Dieks, Stephan Hartmann, Thomas Uebel, Marcel Weber, Maria C. Galavotti (eds), New directions in the philosophy of science, Berlin, Springer, 2014

Abstract

This paper basically presents an analysis of a practical case. It addresses the study of social choice theory in relation to scientific realism. In line with the positions defended by scholars such as U. Mäki or H. Kincaid, the question of realism is considered a local rather than a universal theory, which requires a case-by-case response, that is, theory-by-theory. The analysis focuses more on the existence of the entities postulated by the theory, ontological realism, than on the truth or approximate truth of its statements. Given that the theory is characterised by the interweaving of economic, political and moral aspects, the question about realism is posed within each sphere. Furthermore, the issue of realism helps to clarify the theoretical status of social choice theory. The conclusion reveals that the valorative neutrality of the theory and its high level of idealisation render it impossible to maintain a realist stance towards it.