This title was first published in 2003:This book explores the problem of realism, both metaphysical and scientific. Renowned specialists in the field - including Michael Devitt, David Papineau, Mark Sainsbury and Wesley Salmon - contribute new essays that shed new light on the main topics in the current realism/antirealism debate. Discussing a wide range of issues related to realism, both in metaphysics and in the philosophy of science, they address more specific questions including those concerning metaphysical realism, scientific realism, the relations between epistemology and ontology, causation, dispositions and personal identity, and the relations between science and common sense. Presenting a comprehensive overview of the problem of realism, as well as in-depth discussion of particular topics, this book offers valuable insights for both students and researchers in the field. It can also be used in undergraduate and graduate courses of philosophy.

Contents: Introduction, Michele Marsonet; A naturalistic defence of realism, Michael Devitt; Metaphysical and scientific realism, Evandro Agazzi; Realism, method and truth, Howard Sankey; The real distinction between persons and their bodies, Christopher Hughes; A realistic account of causation, Wesley Salmon; Realism and anti-realism from an epistemological point of view, Paolo Parrini; Realism vs nominalism about the dispositional/non-dispositional distinction, Mark Sainsbury; Scientific realism without reference, Pierre Cruse and David Papineau; The limits of realism, Michele Marsonet; Bibliography, Index.