Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Theoretical entities: Theoretical entities are accepted unobservable objects within a theory which are indirectly derived from observations in connection with the methods of the theory and the application rules of their vocabulary. See also observation language, observability, theoretical terms, unobservable, existence assumption, theories, Ramsey sentence, Carnap sentence, theories._____________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 Theoretical Entities - Dictionary of Arguments
I 36 Theoretical Terms/Theoretical Entities/Rationality/Fraassen: the attitude of "maybe there are no electrons" (> Fictions/Vaihinger). This assumption is more cautious. But this is merely a methodological matter. >Method. Neither empirical nor logical deductive - simply logically weaker. Therefore, it can not be less plausible. >Strength of theories. Putnam: now shifted intention from electrons to demons. Putnam: There can be theories that match the empirical content, but differ in the truth value. >Adequacy. I 214 Observability/Theoretical Entities/Fraassen: error: to assume a continuity here. - (E.g. giant crystals are observable). >Observability. Solution: Theoretical entities are also clusters of th.e. - E.g. the table as a cluster of molecules. - (Logically trivial)._____________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 Theoretical Entities
Ed. Martin Schulz, access date 2024-04-27