This book investigates the philosophical puzzle of why mathematics is so remarkably effective in framing and predicting physical theories. Authors Otávio Bueno and Steven French, both established scholars in the philosophy of science, propose a new framework centered on the concepts of immersion, inference, and interpretation. By moving away from traditional abstract realism, they argue that the applicability of mathematics is best understood through the specific practices and structural mappings employed by scientists in their work.

Experts in the philosophy of science recognize this work as a significant contribution to the ongoing debate regarding mathematical realism and scientific practice. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for those with a background in philosophy or theoretical physics.