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How the Laws of Physics Lie is published
In 1983, How the Laws of Physics Lie is published. It may be what Cartwright is best known for. In this piece, Cartwright explains the laws of physics, and scientific theories in general, and argues that they do not describe reality. Cartwright also distinguishes phenomenological laws from theoretical laws. She describes phenomenological laws to be about appearances and theoretical laws to be about the reality behind appearances. -
Nature's Capacities and their Measurement is published
In 1989, Nature’s Capacities and their Measurement is published. Cartwright uses this piece to explore three theses: science is a measurement; capacities can be measured; science cannot be understood without them. Cartwright also argues for “practical empiricism,” which she describes as making a difference for how science moves on. She also challenges the way theories from the past are examined. -
Idealization XII: Correcting the Model: Idealization and Abstraction in the Sciences is published
In 2005, Idealization XII: Correcting the Model: Idealization and Abstraction in the Sciences is published. In this piece, Cartwright argues for primacy for the notion of capacity and the generalization of evolutionary theory by abstraction. There are many more topics covered in this book and they mainly address the interpretation of theories through the lens of idealization and abstraction.
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President of Division of Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science and Technology (DLMPST)
Since 2020 Cartwright has served as the President of the DLMPST. She also currently serves as the Vice President of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IUHPS). The DLMPST promotes contacts among logicians, philosophers of science and scientists interested in the foundational problems of their disciplines. The IUHPS represents the research fields of history of science and technology and philosophy of science and technology.