What instrumentalism claims — theories are useful tools, not descriptions of unobservable reality

What epiphenomenalism claims — consciousness exists but has no causal power over the physical

Epiphenomenalism: Consciousness is a byproduct, causally inert to physical processes

What Plato's theory of Forms claims — abstract perfect Forms are more real than physical copies

Plato's theory of Forms posits that abstract, perfect Forms represent the truest reality, surpassing physical copies

What modal realism claims — possible worlds are as real as the actual world (David Lewis)

Modal realism posits all possible worlds have equal reality to our own

What an instrumental variable does: isolates causal effect when you can't randomize

Instrumental variables estimate causal effects by using a variable that influences the independent variable but not the dependent variable

What the underdetermination of theory by data means — evidence is always compatible with multiple theories

Underdetermination implies that evidence does not uniquely determine a single theory

How does the concept of "hyperreality" in Baudrillard's postmodern theory challenge traditional notions of reality and representation in the context of media and technology?

Hyperreality blurs the line between simulation and reality, questioning media's role in shaping authentic experiences