Project description
Redefining scientific realism in quantum field theory and dark matter physics
Traditional scientific realism argues that the best scientific theories truly represent the entire universe. However, even accurate physical frameworks fail at extreme scales, indicating that they are not universally true. Furthermore, the problem of underdetermination arises when empirically equivalent theories present contradictory views of reality. Alternatively, effective realism accepts scientific theories as true only within the specific domains and scales where they are empirically successful. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EFFECT project aims to develop effective realism into a robust framework for scientific realism by detailing its ontological commitments, adapting it for quantum field theory, resolving gaps and extending it to dark matter physics for the first time.
Objective
Scientific realism, the view that our best theories reveal what the world is truly like, is essential for grounding the reliability and explanatory power of science. Yet it faces persistent challenges. Two key issues stand out. First, even our most successful physical theories, such as quantum field theory (QFT), break down at a certain scale, suggesting they cannot be strictly speaking true. Second, empirically equivalent theories often make conflicting claims about reality, raising the problem of underdetermination and casting doubt on which description we should believe in. A promising new approach, effective realism, addresses these challenges by arguing that scientific theories are to be treated as effective theories, not false but true within a specific scale, and that by restricting commitment to the scale at which empirically equivalent theories agree and are confirmed, we can solve underdetermination. However, this approach remains underdeveloped, limited to QFT, and lacking systematic articulation. This project will advance effective realism into a fully developed and general account of scientific realism by clarifying its ontological commitments, refining its application within QFT, resolving outstanding issues, and extending it to dark matter physics, offering the first effective-realist account of a domain central to contemporary science and crucial for realism debates. These case studies will provide the basis for proposing a general framework for effective realism with broader applicability. The project combines conceptual analysis with close engagement with current physics, drawing on interdisciplinary training and collaborations. It will be hosted at Politecnico di Milano, with a secondment at Western University to develop the dark matter component. By establishing effective realism as a leading approach in the realism debate, the project will advance philosophy of science and position the researcher as a recognised expert in this emerging topic.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences knowledge engineering ontology
- humanities philosophy, ethics and religion philosophy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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20133 Milano
Italy
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