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Empirical Adequacy
In 1980 Van Fraassen wrote a book titled The Scientific Image, and in this book, he coined the philosophical term Constructive Empiricism. Constructive empiricism is a standpoint concerning the pursuit of a theory that is empirically adequate, meaning that the theory is supported by what is directly observed, and that the acceptance of a theory involves no more belief than what is directly observed. (Dicken) -
Lakatos Award
In 1986, Van Fraassen was awarded the Lakatos Award, and €10,000 for “outstanding contribution to the philosophy of science” by writing his book The Scientific Image (1980). The Lakatos Award was also awarded to an American philosopher named Hartry Field, for his book Science Without Numbers (1980) the same year as Fraassen. -
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Philosophy of Science
Currently, Van Fraassen has been a professor at the San Francisco State University and teaches courses in Philosophy, including the Philosophy of Science, and other courses including the Philosophy of Logic. Prior to teaching at the San Francisco State University, he taught at Yale University, the University of Southern California, the University of Toronto, as well as Princeton University. -
Hempel Award
In November of 2012, Van Fraassen received the Hempel Award from the Philosophy of Science Association. He received the award for his contributions to the philosophy of science through the writing books such as An Introduction to the Philosophy of Time and Space in 1970, as well as The Scientific Image in 1980. More specifically, he was recognized by reinforcing his view of constructive empiricism, and the belief that modern empiricism is only knowing what can be experienced our senses. (Singh)