Philosophy of science
Scientific Realism
The view that our best scientific theories describe a real world — that atoms, black holes, and dark matter are not merely convenient fictions but things that actually exist, even when they cannot be seen directly. It is the working assumption of most astronomers, and a live question in philosophy.
Astronomers, eras & methods
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Nature of Evidence
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.