Underdetermination of Theory by Data

Underdetermination of theory by data refers to the idea that empirical evidence alone may not be enough to determine which scientific theory is correct. Multiple theories can explain the same set of observations. This concept challenges scientific realism, which holds that we can ascertain true theories about the world, and supports anti-realism, which suggests that our theories may not reflect reality as it truly is. Essentially, it highlights that our understanding of the universe may be influenced by theoretical choices rather than solely by data, raising questions about the objectivity of scientific knowledge.