Bas van Fraassen is a Dutch philosopher known for his work in the philosophy of science. He is particularly recognized for developing the concept of constructive empiricism, which argues that scientific theories should be evaluated based on their empirical adequacy rather than their truth. This perspective emphasizes that the goal of science is to provide useful models of the world rather than to uncover ultimate truths. Van Fraassen has also contributed to discussions on quantum mechanics and the nature of scientific explanation. His influential book, The Scientific Image, published in 1980, outlines his views on how scientific theories relate to observable phenomena. Through his work, he has significantly shaped contemporary philosophy of science.