David Sherry (philosopher)

David Sherry is a philosopher known primarily for his work in philosophy of science, particularly regarding explanation, scientific modeling, and the use of mathematics in science. He is also known for his engagement with pragmatism and the work of Charles Sanders Peirce.

Sherry's work often focuses on the limitations and potential pitfalls of overly simplistic or reductionist accounts of scientific explanation and modeling. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context-specific nature of scientific practice and the role of idealizations and approximations in the construction of scientific models. He argues against the view that scientific explanation necessarily involves uncovering underlying causal mechanisms, suggesting instead that explanation can also involve providing intelligibility and understanding through the skillful deployment of mathematical or conceptual tools.

A key theme in Sherry's work is the idea that scientific models are not simply representations of reality, but are rather tools used to explore, understand, and manipulate the world. He stresses the pragmatic dimension of modeling, arguing that the value of a model lies in its ability to help us achieve specific epistemic or practical goals. He draws inspiration from the pragmatist tradition, particularly Peirce, in emphasizing the importance of experience, inquiry, and the revision of beliefs in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Sherry's contributions have been influential in shaping contemporary debates about the nature of scientific explanation, the role of models in scientific reasoning, and the relationship between mathematics and science. He encourages a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of scientific practice, rejecting simplistic generalizations about the nature of explanation and modeling.