philosophy of science dead? realism vs. empiricism (Introduction)

by David Turell , Sunday, September 11, 2016, 15:21 (2783 days ago) @ dhw

David: I think of myself as using experimental results to reach my conclusions, metaphysical as they might be.[/i]
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> dhw: Please tell us what experiments can test whether an eternal conscious mind created billions of solar systems in order to produce life on Earth, preprogrammed or dabbled the weaverbird's nest, and is hiding behind a quantum wall. -I've said I've reached a metaphysical endpoint from evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. 
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> Dhw: As for the bold about the Higgs, it merely confirms what we have now agreed: Higgs completes one segment of a pattern, but we don't know the overall pattern.-> DAVID: I'm glad you finally recognize it.
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> dhw: We have finally agreed that the Higgs completes a segment of a pattern, and having bolded the quotes supporting the viewpoint that the SM (accepted pattern) may be defective, you have clearly recognized that the SM (accepted pattern) may be defective! -Again you misinterpret. The SM does contain currently some questionable problems, but my point is that each time we create an experiment in atom busting we have always found an answer that fits the overall pattern and solves the discrepancy, the Higgs as the latest of those steps. If we ever find a total misfit then your point will be correct. But until now each discovery fits the human conception of how it is all put together in this limited understanding of the overall picture, awaiting discovery, if possible.