Inference to the Best Explanation and Theoretical Entities

Scientific entity realism has been challenged on the grounds that it depends on the controversial principle of inference to the best explanation. I defend the view against this challenge, by showing that the particular inferences needed by the entity realist do not have the objectionable features antirealist's cite in questioning inference to the best explanation. Indeed, these inferences are either ones needed by empiricists in arguing for empirical adequacy, or which are no stronger than the realist needs for justifying his claims about ordinary objects.