Abstract

This article aims at introducing a methodological structure for reconstructing conceptions of theories of science named methodology of the theory of science. It splits into three levels: metaphysical, of science and history of science. In its turn, is made of three kinds of propositions, ontological theses, epistemological theses and axiological theses. They serve to define the goals and the restrictions of the theory of science. The methodology is formulated in the context of presenting a reconstruction of the metaphysical level of Duhem’s theory of science. It shows that Duhem’s theory of science develops a conception of a structural and convergent realism as a middle way between metaphysical and conventionalist/pragmatist conceptions of science.