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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsa.2005.09.001 Byline: Paul Dicken Keywords: Constructive empiricism; Mathematical fictionalism; Partial structures; Modality Abstract: In this paper, I explore Rosen's (1994) 'transcendental' objection to constructive empiricism -- the argument that in order to be a constructive empiricist, one must be ontologically committed to just the sort of abstract, mathematical objects constructive empiricism seems committed to denying. In particular, I assess Bueno's (1999) 'partial structures' response to Rosen, and argue that such a strategy cannot succeed, on the grounds that it cannot provide an adequate metalogic for our scientific discourse. I conclude by arguing that this result provides some interesting consequences in general for anti-realist programmes in the philosophy of science. Author Affiliation: Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH, UK Article History: Received 12 May 2005; Revised 8 September 2005

The All Wales Convention is gauging public opinion on the prospect of giving the National Assembly wider lawmaking powers. The convention is seen to conduct a test on the public's view of a decentralized government. Citizens have earlier met the devolution plan with a lukewarm welcome.

United Kingdom Wales Auditor General Jeremy Colman says the Audit Office should also be held accountable. He said public bodies reduce spending in a very unsystematic way. A review of the office has been conducted.

Experts and campaigners believe that Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell's welfare reform proposals that were outlined in the 'Raising Expectations and Increasing Support' white paper should be postponed especially with the current economic conditions. Purnell rejected calls for its postponement. Other views on the welfare reform proposals are presented.

Newly-appointed United Kingdom National School of Government chief executive Rod Clark is planning to institute reforms in the school. But critics say the school should be given more independence. Clark's education and career history and achievements are also presented.

An overview of Susan Anderson's career as Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) director of public services is presented. Anderson, who handled human resources policy at the confederation for the past eight years, cites the recent agreement made on employee rights by the government's Public Services Forum. Anderson's views on public services are also discussed.

Wales' Independent Commission on funding and Finance said Wales should be given more borrowing and tax-raising powers. The commission has also called for the block funding system for Wales. Labor and Conservative politicians have welcomed the report's conclusions.

Many of Wales' school buildings are unfit for use despite the government's efforts to increase investments in them, the Wales Audit Office has reported. Weaknesses in capital spending management is seen as a reason for the development. Effective planning has also been impeded by local governments' reluctance to rationalize schools.

Welsh auditor general candidate Huw Vaughan Thomas said the Wales Audit Office he will make the agency more 'responsive and accessible to people. He said the agency should focus its inspection from public institutions to the people. Concerns over employee relations and staffing issues have been raised against Thomas' predecessor.

The Welsh government has launched a program to make Wales a zero-waste nation by 2050. The program's goal is to recycle 70 percent of waste by 2025. The scheme will include rewarding households for reducing waste and providing recycling services to businesses.

The Welsh government has published a planning guidance for more environment-friendly government buildings. The rules will require new buildings to have 31 percent fewer carbon emissions than what is allowed. They will also be required to use less water and more sustainable materials.

The Welsh assembly government is planning to create a strategy to address child poverty. The plan involves the redirection of funds and development of local partnerships to tackle unemployment, education and housing. The scheme will be funded through the Children and Youth Support Fund.

The Barnett Formula could protect Wales from the impact of spending cuts, researcher Alan Trench said. The formula is used to dictate the level of spending for the devolved United Kingdom nations. It is seen to provide protection to health and education spending.

The Welsh Assembly government's Efficiency and Innovation Program will foster innovation and collaboration among sectors, Business and Budget Minister Jane Hutt said. The program will bring together local government, trade unions and third sector bodies on the issue of public spending reduction. It will also help develop economic policy.

Welsh Assembly members have voted to have an independent board set their pay and expenses entitlements. The proposal came following a couple of expenses-related incidents. Comments from officials are also provided.

The Welsh government's program to focus regeneration resources on the most deprived communities has failed to demonstrate value for money, the Welsh Assembly's Public Accounts Committee said. The government has spent 214 million pounds sterling on the project so far. The program is aimed at creating local partnerships to represent communities.

Gillian Body has been named interim auditor general for Wales. Body's appointment was prompted by the sudden resignation of Jeremy Colman. Her career history and achievements are also included.

The Welsh Assembly is set to vote on the holding of a referendum on a plan to increase law-making powers in Wales. But the plan will have to be put before both UK Houses of Parliament. But Welsh Conservatives and Liberal Democrats said they will not support the proposal.

Wales Auditor General Jeremy Colman has resigned his post. The reason for Colman's resignation is unclear and described as a 'private matter.' A review of the Wales Audit Office has raised concerns over the agency's management.

Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones has vowed to increase education spending in 2011. He added that he would seek to boost the education block grant. Jones has also announced a cabinet reshuffle.