Are the laws of physics "economical with the truth"?

Allport

pp. 245-290

in: Synthese 94 (2), 1993.

Abstract

It has been argued that the fundamental laws of physics are deceitful in that they give the impression of greater unity and coherence in our theories than is actually found to be the case. Causal stories and phenomenological relationships are claimed to provide a more acceptable account of the world, and only theoretical entities — not laws — are considered as perhaps corresponding to real features of the world.