ABSTRACT

Contrary to common impressions, pluralism is fully compatible with scientific realism, especially if arguments for realism are based on the success of science. Success is multi-dimensional and best pursued through a pluralist methodology. Granting reality to referents of concepts that facilitate successful practices also leads to metaphysical pluralism. Reflections on realist pluralism prompt a re-thinking of the very concepts of truth and reality, which I propose to base on a pragmatist notion of operational coherence. Pluralism is at the heart of active realism, which is the commitment to learn as much as possible from nature.