A philosophical term referring to the view that theories are instruments for prediction and problem-solving, not necessarily true descriptions of reality. Used in academic contexts.
道具論は、科学理論を実用的な道具と見なす立場だ。
Instrumentalism is a position that regards scientific theories as practical tools.
Compound of 道具 (tool, instrument) and 論 (theory, argument). The term is a direct translation of the English philosophical term 'instrumentalism'.