Linguistics as a science of structure

Generative linguistics has rapidly changed during the course of a relatively short
period. This has caused many to question its scientific status as a realist scientific
theory (Stokhof & van Lambalgen 2011; Lappin et al. 2000). In this chapter, I argue
against this conclusion. Specifically, I claim that the mathematical foundations of
the science present a different story below the surface. I agree with critics that due
to the major shifts in theory over the past 80 years, linguistics is indeed opened up
to the problem of pessimistic meta-induction or radical theory change. However, I
further argue that a structural realist approach (Ladyman 1998; French 2006) can
save the field from this problem and at the same time capture its structural nature.
I discuss particular historical instances of theory change in generative grammar as
evidence for this interpretation and finally attempt to extend it beyond the gener-
ative tradition to encompass previous frameworks in linguistics.