Underdetermination and Evidence

Images of Empiricism (ed. Bradley Monton) (Oxford University Press, 2007) 62-82.

I present an argument that encapsulates the view that theory is underdetermined by evidence. I show that if we accept Williamson's equation of evidence and knowledge, then this argument is question-begging. I examine ways that defenders of underdetermination may avoid this criticism. I also relate this argument and my critique to van Fraassen's constructive empiricism.