Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
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Models, philosophy, logic: A model is obtained when a logical formula provides true statements by inserting objects instead of the free variables. One problem is the exclusion of unintended models. See also model theory._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
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Bas van Fraassen on Models - Dictionary of Arguments
I 47 Model/Fraassen: represents the worlds which are allowed by the theory. Unintended models: e.g. the theory that the center of the solar system may have any constant speed allows different speeds (> class of models) and something else than motions too! - So an empirically adequate theory can go beyond the data. - ((s) > Empirical underdetermination by the data: >Underdetermination/Quine. Problem: then you can still believe that any theory of a family of theories is wrong - and therefore their common part is wrong! Common part: may be paraphrased as "one of the models of the theories represents the world correctly" - ((s) and this may be wrong). Common part: is often not empirically important. >Relevance._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Fr I B. van Fraassen The Scientific Image Oxford 1980 |