Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Theoretical terms: expressions for unobservable objects which are indirectly inferred by a theory from the application of its methods and which are in accordance with the rules of application of the vocabulary of the theory. See also unobservables, observation, observation language, observation theorems, Carnap conditional, Ramsey theorem, existence. _____________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. | |||
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Bas van Fraassen on Theoretical Terms - Dictionary of Arguments
I 11 Theoretical Terms/th.t./Fraassen: they have a meaning only by their association with observables. - Therefore, two theories can say the same thing, although they formally contradict themselves! - But they only contradictory if regarded as literally. Positivism: thesis: the importance of the theoretical terms comes from the observable. Positivism: they agree in their observational consequences. >Observation, >Observability. I 11 Theoretical terms/Fraassen: it is often not clear whether they refer to concrete or mathematical entities. E.g. "powers"/power: sometimes regarded as not specifically mathematically, only the existence of certain features is maintained. - This is controversial. >Ontology, cf. >Ontological commitment. _____________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 |
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> Counter arguments against Fraassen
> Counter arguments in relation to Theoretical Terms
Ed. Martin Schulz, access date 2024-04-28