Devitt, Michael (1984). Realism and truth. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. [buy book]
Synopsis:
In a provocative thesis, philosophy professor Michael Devitt argues
for a thoroughgoing realism about the common-sense and scientific
physical world and for a corresponding notion of truth contrary to
the opinions of anti-realists such as Putnam, Dummett, van
Fraassen, and others. This second edition includes a new Afterword
by the author.
John Divers, The Philosophical Quarterly:
With this worthwhile second edition Devitt's voice remains one of
the most important and distinctive in the arena of contemporary
metaphysics it is too loud and too clear to be ignored.
Philip Gasper, Philosophical Review:
A wideranging examination of several central issues in metaphysics,
philosophy of language, epistemology, and philosophy of science....
Realism and Truth is well worth reading. Devitt writes with clarity
and sophistication, and his book is sure to ruffle some anti realist
feathers.
Patrick Madigan, The Review of Metaphysics:
This book is highly recommended for those who want to break into
the current realism/antirealism debate.... An ideal text for those
teachers who want to give their students a `map of the territory.'
From the Publisher:
In this provocative and wideranging book, Michael Devitt argues for
a thoroughgoing realism about the common sense and scientific
physical world, and for a correspondence notion of truth.
Furthermore, he argues that, contrary to received opinion, the
metaphysical question of realism is distinct from, and prior to, any
semantic question about truth. The book makes incisive responses
to Putnam, Dummett, van Fraassen, and other major anti realists.
The new afterword includes an extensive discussion of the
metaphysics of nonfactualism, and new thoughts on the need for
truth and on the determination of reference.