Psychology Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
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As if: the temporary assumption that things were so and so a) while it is not known whether this is so, b) while it is known that this is not the case. See also idealization, counterfactuals._____________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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Nancy Cartwright on As if - Dictionary of Arguments
I 129 as if / Physics / Science / Grice / Cartwright: - as if - should not lead to further questions. e.g. How closely are the oscillators packed? (Assuming one equates the radiating molecules in ammonium maser with electronic oscillators). I 130 as-if-Operator/Grice/Cartwright: The as-if operator has two functions: 1) written left of the operator: signifies existential import. 2) right: Description of that what we must know in order to apply a mathematical formulation. - (This is independent of the existential commitment). - The reason is that our fundamental equations do not dictate reality. Multiple equations can be applied. >Ontology, >Ontological commitment, >Quantification, >Fictions, >Existence, >Existence statements._____________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. |
Car I N. Cartwright How the laws of physics lie Oxford New York 1983 CartwrightR I R. Cartwright A Neglected Theory of Truth. Philosophical Essays, Cambridge/MA pp. 71-93 In Theories of Truth, Paul Horwich, Aldershot 1994 CartwrightR II R. Cartwright Ontology and the theory of meaning Chicago 1954 |