PhilSci Archive

Scientific Theories, Models, and the Semantic Approach

Décio, Krause and Otávio, Bueno (2008) Scientific Theories, Models, and the Semantic Approach. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
PDF
KraBue_Principia.pdf

Download (206kB)

Abstract

According to the semantic view, a theory is characterized by a class of models. In this paper, we examine critically some of the assumptions that underlie this approach. First, we recall that models are models of something. Thus we cannot leave completely aside the axiomatization of the theories under consideration, nor can we ignore the metamathematics used to elaborate these models, for changes in the metamathematics often impose restrictions on the resulting models. Second, based on a parallel between van Fraassen's modal interpretation of quantum mechanics and Skolem's relativism regarding set-theoretic concepts, we introduce a distinction between relative and absolute concepts in the context of the models of a scientific theory. And we discuss the significance of that distinction. Finally, by focusing on contemporary particle physics, we raise the question: since there is no general accepted unification of the parts of the standard model (namely, QED and QCD), we have no theory, in the usual sense of the term. This poses a difficulty: if there is no theory, how can we speak of its models? What are the latter models of? We conclude by noting that it is unclear that the semantic view can be applied to contemporary physical theories.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Décio, Krause
Otávio, Bueno
Keywords: semantic view, Skolem's paradox, modal interpretation, theories, particle physics
Subjects: General Issues > Structure of Theories
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User: Décio Krause
Date Deposited: 26 Mar 2008
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:16
Item ID: 3958
Subjects: General Issues > Structure of Theories
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date: March 2008
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3958

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item