Historical Development of Scientific Theories

The historical development of scientific theories reflects the ongoing debate between scientific realism and anti-realism. Scientific realists believe that theories accurately describe an objective reality, while anti-realists argue that theories are merely useful tools for prediction, and may not represent true reality. Over time, theories change as new evidence emerges, leading to advancements in knowledge. For example, the transition from Newtonian physics to Einstein's relativity shows how scientific theories evolve. This evolution underscores the complexity of understanding science—whether it represents an actual truth or remains a practical framework for interpreting the world.