Psychology Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Basic Concept: theories differ in what terms they choose as the basic concepts, which are not further defined. A definition of these concepts within the theory would be circular and may cause > paradoxes. E.g. The theory of mind by G. Ryle is based on the concept of disposition, other theories presuppose mental objects. See also paradoxes, theories, terms, definitions, definability, systems, explanations._____________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 Basic Concepts - Dictionary of Arguments
I 59f Basic concepts/quantities/Classical Mechanics/Fraassen: all measurements are reducible to series of time and position measurements. - Therefore, physical quantities can be reduced to functions of time and place alone (reduction). >Measurements. For that, we do not need mass, force, momentum, kinetic energy - (e.g. in descriptions of astronomy). Modern Physics: (mechanics) here, mass is not a basic concept. Problem/Suppes: if we postulate with Newton that every object has a mass, then mass cannot be defined in terms of simple observables. >Observation, >Observation language, >Theoretical terms. E.g. a given object (or particle) has a constant speed throughout the experiment, then the total force would be 0. But every value for the mass of this body would be compatible with this information ((s) n times 0 = 0). >Experiments, >Physics, >Theories._____________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 Basic Concepts
