The following text discusses philosophy of science.
Underdetermination of theory by data describes how the same evidence can be compatible with multiple, incompatible theories. No matter how much data we gather, alternative theories can always be constructed to fit that data. This poses a challenge to scientific realism: if we cannot know which theory is correct from evidence alone, how can we claim our current theories describe reality? Realists respond that underdetermination is exaggerated in practice—good theories are constrained by many factors beyond data fit, including simplicity, explanatory power, and coherence with other well-confirmed theories.
What challenge does underdetermination pose to scientific realism?
Data always uniquely determines one correct theory
Multiple theories fitting the same data makes it unclear which describes reality
Scientists never collect any data
All scientific theories are equally simple
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text states "if we cannot know which theory is correct from evidence alone, how can we claim our current theories describe reality?"
- Evidence: Same data compatible with multiple theories.
- Reasoning: Evidence alone doesn't select the true theory.
- Conclusion: Reality claims become difficult to justify.
Choice A is incorrect because underdetermination shows data doesn't uniquely determine. Choice C is incorrect because data collection is not the issue. Choice D is incorrect because simplicity is one constraint that helps distinguish theories.