Empiricism and the Epistemic Status of Imaging Technologies

摘要: This starting point for this project was the question of how to understand epistemic status mathematized imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET) and confocal microscopy. These sorts instruments play an increasingly important role in virtually all areas biology medicine. Some these have been widely celebrated having revolutionized various fields studies while others target substantial criticism. Thus, it is essential that we be able assess methods producing evidence. They differ from one another many respects, but feature they common use multiple layers statistical mathematical processing are data production. alone means do not fit neatly into any standard empiricist account Yet failure accommodated by philosophical accounts good evidence does indicate a general inadequacy on their part since, measures, very often produce high quality In order can so, must look more closely at old questions concerning experience observation acquiring knowledge about external world. Doing so leads us new, grounded version empiricism.After distinguishing between weaker stronger, anthropomorphic empiricism, I argue most contemporary what call benchmark strategies that, implicitly or explicitly, rely stronger according which human sense holds place unique privilege. attempt extend bounds - privilege accorded establishing some type relevant similarity perception. fail because unable establish epistemically motivated consists of. The last best chance approach, and, indeed, supplement strategy with grounding strategy. Toward end, examine Grounded Benchmark Criterion defines perception defined terms reliability-making features account, too, due our inability specify given current state understanding visual system. However, reveals reliability relevant, other sort perception.Current suffer number difficulties, develop novel based concept granularity. My granularity match both provides refine empiricism allows when why reliable. Finally, examining importance fact output usually images.