I've just stumbled upon this article and was about to read it when I remember that I have a manuscript to review that is overdue. So, I'll post the link and abstract on here and let the rest of you get to it before I do! :)
Abstract: In the present study we attempt to incorporate the philosophical dialogue about physical reality into the instructional process of quantum mechanics. Taking into account that both scientific realism and constructivism represent, on the basis of a rather broad spectrum, prevalent philosophical currents in the domain of science education, the compatibility of their essential commitments is examined against the conceptual structure of quantum theory. It is argued in this respect that the objects of science do not simply constitute 'personal constructions' of the human mind for interpreting nature, as individualist constructivist consider, neither do they form products of a 'social construction', as sociological constructivist assume; on the contrary, they reflect objective structural aspects of the physical world. A realist interpretation of quantum mechanics, we suggest, is not only possible but also necessary for revealing the inner meaning of the theory's scientific content. It is pointed out, however, that a viable realist interpretation of quantum theory requires the abandonment or radical revision of the classical conception of physical reality and its traditional metaphysical presuppositions. To this end, we put forward an alternative to traditional realism interpretative scheme, that is in harmony with the findings of present-day quantum theory, and which, if adequately introduced into the instructional process of contemporary physics, is expected to promote the conceptual reconstruction of learners towards an appropriate view of nature.
It sounds rather interesting, and possible something that I can use against those post-modernists crap. In any case, I will need some time to read it carefully - it's freaking 26 pages (luckily, double-spaced)!
Zz.
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