There Are No Such Things As Theories

This book examines the nature and ontological status of scientific theories by comparing them to artworks, such as paintings and musical pieces. It critically examines various accounts including Popper's 'World 3' view, Thomasson's 'abstract artefacts' approach and quietism, before proposing the application of a form of metaphysical nihilism. Hence the claim there are no such *things* as theories. Purported features of theories, such as their empirical adequacy or their simplicity etc. are then accounted for in terms of the relevant scientific practices. The book concludes with a consideration of how one can still adopt a realist stance towards theories within such a framework.