Examining Scientific Perspectivism: Instruments, Models, and Kinds

This thesis is an examination of perspectivism in philosophy of science, an approach proposed as a via media between standard realist and antirealist views. The thesis is structured into four parts. Part I introduces the varieties of perspectivism in the literature and outlines the specific form of perspectivism that is the focus of this thesis, which is based on the work of Ronald Giere. I distinguish Giere's perspectivism from traditional realism and outline the central challenge to the position, a challenge that I call "Escape from Perspective". The next two parts are critical. In part II, I examine Giere's perspectivist account of instruments ("instrumental perspectivism"). I find that Giere's arguments for instrumental perspectivism fail, and that instrumental perspectivism is dependent on a perspectivist account of theories and models ("theoretical perspectivism") in a way that robs it of philosophical significance. If this is correct, the question is simply whether theoretical perspectivism can be defended. This question is taken up in Part III. This part focuses on two arguments for perspectivism, the incompatible models argument and the failure of fit argument. I argue that the incompatible models argument is unconvincing, but that the failure of fit argument presents a significant challenge to standard realist views. The rest of Part III attacks the potential realist responses to this argument. Finally, in Part IV, I turn to the constructive project of developing a perspectivist approach that respects the insights of the failure of fit argument. In this part, I present what I take to be the most defensible form of perspectivism, and I argue that it has the resources to meet the Escape from Perspective challenge. Although my perspectivism is different from Giere's in many respects, I end by showing that it exhibits all the characteristics distinctive of perspectivism, as Giere defined it

An Analytical model for the colorimetric characterization of color CRTs

To be a viable instrument for color appearance research, the color Cathode Ray Tube has to be very well calibrated and characterized. The purpose of this research was to develop the techniques and methods used to carry out such characterization, and also to evaluate to what degree of precision and accuracy can such a characterization be performed. A new model for predicting the CRT behavior is presented along with the experimental results that validate it

Engineering Data Compendium. Human Perception and Performance, Volume 1

The concept underlying the Engineering Data Compendium was the product an R and D program (Integrated Perceptual Information for Designers project) aimed at facilitating the application of basic research findings in human performance to the design of military crew systems. The principal objective was to develop a workable strategy for: (1) identifying and distilling information of potential value to system design from existing research literature, and (2) presenting this technical information in a way that would aid its accessibility, interpretability, and applicability by system designers. The present four volumes of the Engineering Data Compendium represent the first implementation of this strategy. This is Volume 1, which contains sections on Visual Acquisition of Information, Auditory Acquisition of Information, and Acquisition of Information by Other Senses