Aim-Oriented Empiricism and the Metaphysics of Science

Over 40 years ago, I put forward a philosophy of science based on the argument that physics, in only ever accepting unified theories, thereby makes a substantial metaphysical presupposition about the universe, to the effect that it possesses an underlying unity. I argued that a new conception of scientific method is required to subject this problematic presupposition to critical attention so that it may be improved as science proceeds. This view has implications for the study of the metaphysics of science. The view has however been ignored by recent contributions to the field. Broader implications of the view are indicated. Finally, reasons for the neglect of the view are considered.