@room109,
I don't think a conversation is appropriate.
I've just spent several weeks researching a related area (the status of mathematical models in science) in order to prepare a discussion paper for my local group. The ensuing discussion is likely to last over an hour and run into follow up papers for subsequent meetings.
For a readable overview of the areas you are interested in, try Richard Rorty's "Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature" (which I think is available as an e-book).