[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Single Answer

The success of modern science is often attributed to its ability to provide an increasingly accurate map of the objective world. Scientific realism posits that our best theories are true, or approximately true, descriptions of mind-independent reality. However, proponents of anti-realism, such as instrumentalists, argue that theories are merely useful tools for predicting observations. They point to the history of science, where once-successful theories like phlogiston or the luminiferous ether were ultimately discarded. This 'pessimistic induction' suggests that our current theories might also be proven false despite their predictive success. Realists counter this by arguing that the predictive power of science would be a 'miracle' if the theories were not fundamentally true. They suggest that while specific models may change, structural components of these theories often persist through paradigm shifts. Ultimately, the debate highlights the philosophical tension between the practical utility of science and its claims to truth. While we may never have direct access to reality, the pursuit of a true description remains the driving force behind scientific inquiry.