The fundamental laws of physics can tell the truth

Abstract

Nancy Cartwright's arguments in favour of phenomenological laws and against fundamental ones are discussed. Her criticisms of the standard covering-law account are extended using Vyacheslav S tjopin's analysis of the structure of fundamental theories. It is argued that Cartwright's thesis (that the laws of physics lie) is too radical to accept. A model of theory change is presented which demonstrates how the fundamental laws of physics can, in fact, be confronted with experience. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.