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Theories: theories are statement systems for the explanation of observations, e.g. of behavior or physical, chemical or biological processes. When setting up theories, a subject domain, a vocabulary of the terms to be used and admissible methods of observation are defined. In addition to explanations, the goal of the theory formation is the predictability and comparability of observations. See also systems, models, experiments, observation, observation language, theoretical terms, theoretical entities, predictions, analogies, comparisons, evidence, verification, reduction, definitions, definability.
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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

Pierre Duhem on Theories - Dictionary of Arguments

I XIII
Theory/Duhem: Thesis: The goal of physical theory formation is not the knowledge of reality, because it would move in a metaphysical field of concepts, but the design of a formal system that has optimal order properties for the world of phenomena. >Physics
, >Phenomena, >Goals.
The structure of science is a holistic context, not a combination of single sentences whose truth values are determined in isolation. Only the whole of science can be compared with the totality of facts and examined.
Observations are "theory-laden". >Observations, >Theory-ladenness.
Theories are not inductively gained knowledge of experience, but designs of the human mind, agreements of a formal nature, whose empirical utility is found only in practice. Conventionalist science-perception, nevertheless Poincaré: it is not the definitive status of the fundamental laws, which deprives them of the revision, such revisions, even of the fundamental laws, can become necessary and meaningful, they cannot be forced experimentally.
I XVII
Delimitation from metaphysics, which does not allow refutation by observation. (Also Popper, 1934) autonomy of physics.
Today one would say: theory is supposed to explain phenomena. The performance of theories or laws can be characterized by the logical link with verifiable statements. For Duhem (in contrast to today's language usage): "Description".
"Explanation"/Duhem: reserved for the metaphysicians' claim for knowledge.
Metaphysics: (DuhemVs): Premises must be distinguished ontologically, they must concern "things in themselves". Observable properties are "explained" in such a way that they are attributed to another (unobservable) reality layer. E.g. "ether", heat: atomic movement. This is the Cartesian concept of explanation, which Duhem does not grant physics.
His physics conception is antimetaphysical, unlike Mach, but he does not consider metaphysics to be pointless.
I 22
Definition Physical Theory/Duhem: A physical theory is not an explanation. It is a system of mathematical theorems that are derived from a small number of principles and have the purpose of presenting a group of experimental laws as simple as they are complete and accurate.
I 22
A correct theory does not explain reality, but presents a group of experimental laws satisfactorily.
A false theory is a set of equations that do not agree with the experimental laws. (Comparison with reality would be metaphysics). >Metaphysics, >Reality.
I 29
Revision of a theory: the relationships remain, but their nature is understood differently.
I 37
Theories/Duhem: consist of 2 parts
A) descriptive
B) explanatory
The explanatory part is by no means the adequate basis of the descriptive. It is not the seed or the root. >Method, >Explanation.

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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.

Duh I
P. Duhem
La théorie physique, son objet et sa structure, Paris 1906
German Edition:
Ziel und Struktur der physikalischen Theorien Hamburg 1998


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