It is completely relevant to the criticism in the OP that realism is invalid because it has a metaphysical assumption. So, does antirealism. So, does any argument against realism (or antirealism).Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 9:35 am This memory issue is irrelevant as an assumption in this particular case.
We begin with metaphysical assumptions or active choose (possibly working) metaphysical assumptions in all belief systems.
Sure, antirealists make other assumptions however. see above.AntiRealists [Kant] do not make the above assumptions at all.
Well, scientists also, but EVERYONE, in specific antirealists also make metaphysical assumptions.The question of whether every scientists make assumptions other than the above is a off topic and irrelevant.
Of course they do. Everything is based on the repetition of observations. Repetition means at different points in time X happened. And even in the process of thinking they HAVE to trust memory.Scientists do not make any assumption that memory of the past is reliable.
Otherwise all they (we) have is this moment, plus this sense (memory) that things have happened before.
Which is why I said earlier 'to some degree' accurate.Rather scientists understand the fact that memory of the past is unreliable which is more conservative.
Which all requires trusting memory. The memory that they followed the same protocols, their memory of their protocols, their memories of their observations.With the understanding of the above unreliability of memory, whatever they do will be processed within the conditions of the scientific FSK as countered check by peers to eliminate any elements of the unreliability of past memories [whatever].
And to be clear. I am not arguing that antirealism is wrong because it contains metaphysical assumptions. Hardly. I am pointing out that if it is damning to have them, then all belief systems fall, including realism, antirealism, monism, whatever - all processes for drawing conclusions: deduction, induction, abduction.....
Nanoseconds?? If one can claim that trusting one's memory of what happened nanoseconds ago is not assuming anything, then we still need more memory to perform science.What happened a second ago as memory? what about nanoseconds ago and at what point is an event not considered a memory element.
The antirealism in every single argument, chain of thinking, exploration, discussion is using memory about past events and past event in that very process.
And yet, they have no direct access to the past. You cannot directly sense the past. And yet it is treated as real, both in the argument and in any investigation.
Your observation is astute, and it touches upon an important aspect of empiricism. Indeed, the reliance on memory is an inherent part of empirical inquiry. Empiricists use observations and experiences as a foundation for knowledge, and these observations are often based on past events or phenomena. However, the reliance on memory introduces a layer of complexity and potential limitations.
Here are some points related to the necessity of trust in memory within an empirical framework:
Temporal Continuity: Empirical investigations often involve the assumption that there is temporal continuity — a past, present, and future. The empirical method relies on the idea that observations made in the past are relevant to understanding and predicting events in the present and future.
Consistency of Experience: Empiricism assumes that there is a certain degree of consistency and coherence in our experiences. This implies that our memories accurately reflect past events and that the regularities observed in the past will continue in the future.
Reproducibility: Empirical research often involves repeating experiments or observations. This repetition assumes that the past experiences can be reliably remembered and replicated, contributing to the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.
Reality's Stability: The empirical method presupposes a stable external reality. The assumption is that the world behaves in a consistent manner over time, allowing for the generalization of observations and the formulation of laws or principles.
Existence of an Objective Past: Empiricism inherently implies the existence of an objective past that is accessible through memory and observation. This assumption is necessary for building a foundation of empirical knowledge.
Coherence of Perception - this one clearly is needed for any Kantian antirealism that posits anything at all about what is real and what is not.