Hezki Symonds (ANU): Realism and Representation (TPR)
In his 2001 paper "The Question of Realism" Kit Fine poses a puzzle for anyone trying to answer the question "What is realism" or "What is the defining commitment of realism?". I will introduce Fine's Puzzle and try to take a few steps in the direction of persuading you that it is a genuine puzzle. As this is a Thesis Proposal Review I will also situate Fine's Puzzle in the context of my overall thesis. (Note: The title of this talk, "Realism and Representation", is the provisional title of my thesis. My talk will focus on Fine's Puzzle and the question "What is realism?". I will not be discussing the topic of representation.)