Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
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Semantics: Semantics is the field of linguistics, which deals with the meaning of expressions, words, parts of words, sentences or signs. Aids for ascertaining the meaning are investigations of the use and the determination of the truth value (true or false) of the statements, which can be determined from the linguistic or action-like utterances. Therefore, semantic questions are ultimately truth questions. See also truth, reference, meaning, sense, semiology, signs, symbols, syntax, pragmatics, linguistics._____________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 Semantics - Dictionary of Arguments
I 68 Semantics/theory/Fraassen: semantic terms for theories: empirical adequacy and strength, truth and logical strength. Theories have always metaphysical baggage. (> Metaphysics/Fraassen). - Fraassen per: that is, they are not empirically minimal - minimally empirically: not equivalent with all logically more powerful models. >Models. What now looks like metaphysics, can bring new phenomena to light tomorrow. - Empirical adequacy: always goes beyond the observable, even in the future._____________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 |