Psychology Dictionary of ArgumentsHome![]() | |||
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Observation sentence: also protocol sentence or basis sentence is a description of a sensually perceived event. Observation sentences are not irreversible and not independent of theories because of the vocabulary used in them. See also Theory dependence, Theories, Observation._____________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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Hennig Genz on Observation Sentences - Dictionary of Arguments
II 32ff Observation Sentences/Hume/Genz: by analysing observation sentences we cannot learn anything that goes beyond immediate experience. Genz ditto. >Experience/Hume, >Observation, >Empiricism. II 29 Base sentence/theory language/Genz: base sentences can be derived from the theory language, but not vice versa. >Theory language. II 30 Theory language/Genz: theory language is a product of human imagination that has to prove itself in base sentences. >Observation language, >Theoretical terms, >Theoretical entities, >Theories. Term/Einstein/Genz: a term is logically independent of the sensory experience. >Experience, >Sensory impressions. Freedom: there is freedom here, but not as strong as for the poet, but as for the person who solves a word puzzle. He/she can suggest any word, but in the end there is only one correct word. >Freedom, >Free will. II 31 Theory language/reality/strength: to what extent do sentences and terms of the theory language play a part in reality? Terms: if they could be defined by base sentences, and the sentences of the theory language could be derived from observations that can be expressed by base sentences, then the status of the theory language would be the same as that of the base sentences. >Protocol sentences, >Sentences, >Definitions, >Definability. Solution/Genz: the theory language not only summarizes observations, but also generalizes them (by natural laws). >Generalization, >Natural laws. II 37 Base sentences/Genz: base sentences summarize sensory data and do not require interpretation. They already form a complex system. Theory: a theory establishes relationships between base sentences. >Sense data, >Interpretation._____________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. |
Gz I H. Genz Gedankenexperimente Weinheim 1999 Gz II Henning Genz Wie die Naturgesetze Wirklichkeit schaffen. Über Physik und Realität München 2002 |