Whitehead on Electrons & Realism

describe Whitehead's understanding of electrons as scientific objects. Compare his account to contemporary debates in the philosophy of science regarding realism versus constructivism.

Alfred North Whitehead's understanding of electrons in "The Concept of Nature" reflects a nuanced view of scientific objects. He acknowledges that molecules and electrons, as postulated by scientific theory, are integral factors in nature, provided that the scientific theories are correctly formulated. Electrons are seen as hypothetical, not due to the inherent nature of the electron theory itself, but because of the uncertainty surrounding the electron theory's truth at that time【8†source】.

Whitehead also treats electrons as uniform objects, similar to other scientific objects, but he notes that some objects, like tunes, are not uniformly perceived. This consideration might suggest that for certain kinds of objects, like electrons, a minimum quantum of time is necessary for their existence. He aligns this with the postulates of the then-modern quantum theory, indicating his recognition of the evolving nature of scientific understanding【9†source】.

Furthermore, Whitehead characterizes molecules and electrons as abstractions. He argues that while no one has seen a single molecule or electron, the characterization of events is explainable through these scientific objects. To Whitehead, being an abstraction does not mean non-existence; it implies that an entity's existence is just one part of a more concrete element of nature. Thus, an electron is abstract because its existence is tied to the whole structure of events, not as an isolated entity【10†source】.

Comparing Whitehead's account to contemporary debates in the philosophy of science, particularly realism versus constructivism, we find some interesting parallels and contrasts. Realism in the philosophy of science posits that scientific theories aim to accurately describe a reality independent of human perceptions or constructions. Constructivism, on the other hand, suggests that scientific knowledge is a product of social processes and human conceptual frameworks.

Whitehead's view of electrons as both integral parts of nature (when theories are correctly formulated) and as abstractions aligns with a form of realism. He acknowledges the objective existence of electrons as part of the natural world, albeit contingent on the correctness of scientific theory. However, his characterization of electrons as abstractions, whose existence cannot be detached from the broader event structure, leans towards constructivist perspectives. This reflects a blend of understanding that while electrons have an objective basis in nature, our comprehension and description of them are unavoidably tied to our conceptual frameworks and the limitations of our observational capabilities.

Thus, Whitehead's perspective on electrons can be seen as a nuanced blend of realism and constructivism, recognizing both the objective existence of scientific entities and the abstract, conceptual nature of our understanding of these entities.