Theoretical Entities

Theoretical entities are concepts or objects proposed by scientific theories that we cannot directly observe. For example, electrons or black holes are not visible to our eyes, yet scientists use them to explain phenomena. In the debate between scientific realism and anti-realism, realists argue that these entities exist because theories work and make accurate predictions, while anti-realists contend that they are merely useful fictions or constructs that help us understand the world, without asserting their actual existence. Essentially, theoretical entities help bridge the gap between observations and our understanding of nature.