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Another Solution to the Problem of Theoretical Terms

Andreas, Holger (2008) Another Solution to the Problem of Theoretical Terms. [Published Article]

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    Abstract

    In this paper, a solution to the problem of theoretical terms is developed that is based on Carnap's doctrine of indirect interpretation of theoretical terms. This doctrine will be given a semantic, model-theoretic explanation that is not given by Carnap himself as he remains content with a syntactic explanation. From that semantic explanation, rules for the truth-value assignment to postulates, i.\,e.\ sentences that determine the meaning of theoretical terms, are derived. The logical status of postulates will be clarified thereby in such a way that the problem of theoretical terms disappears.

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    Item Type: Published Article
    Keywords: Model-theory, statement view, structuralist theory of science, theoretical terms.
    Subjects: General Issues > Philosophers of Science
    Depositing User: Dr. Holger Andreas
    Date Deposited: 20 Feb 2013 08:44
    Last Modified: 20 Feb 2013 08:44
    Item ID: 9581
    Official URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10670-...
    DOI or Unique Handle.: 10.1007/s10670-008-9119-9
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9581

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