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Underdetermination and the Problem of Identical Rivals

Magnus, P. D. (2002) Underdetermination and the Problem of Identical Rivals. [Preprint]

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    Abstract

    This paper explores a connection between underdetermination and the identity conditions for theories: Must we provide the latter before enquiring into the former? Quine proposes that we call two theories identical if they are equivalent under a reconstrual of predicates, but this may mishandle important cases. Another proposal is to defer to the particular judgements of actual scientists. Consideration of an historical episode--- the alleged equivalence of wave and matrix mechanics--- shows that this second proposal also fails. Nevertheless, I suggest, we may enquire into underdetermination without a better candidate.

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    Item Type: Preprint
    Keywords: General Philosophy of Science, Structure of Theories, Underdetermination
    Conferences and Volumes: [2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002) > PSA 2002 Contributed Papers
    Depositing User: Program Committee
    Date Deposited: 23 Mar 2003
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:11
    Item ID: 1086
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1086

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