PhilSci Archive

Meaning, Truth, and Physics

Szabo, Laszlo E. (2017) Meaning, Truth, and Physics. [Preprint]

WarningThere is a more recent version of this item available.
[img]
Preview
 Text
LE_Szabo-Meaning-Truth-Physics-v4.pdf
Download (156kB) | Preview

Abstract

A physical theory is a partially interpreted axiomatic formal system (L,S), where L is a formal language with some logical, mathematical and physical axioms, and with some derivation rules, and the semantics S is a relationship between the formulas of L and some states of affairs in the physical world. In our ordinary discourse, the formal system L is regarded as an abstract object or structure, the semantics S as something which involves the mental/conceptual realm. This view is of course incompatible with physicalism. How can physical theory be accommodated in a purely physical ontology? The aim of this paper is to outline an account for meaning and truth of physical theory, within the philosophical framework spanned by three doctrines: physicalism, empiricism, and the formalist philosophy of mathematics.

Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |
Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Szabo, Laszlo E.laszlo.e.szabo@gmail.com
Keywords: physicalism; empiricism; formalism; semantics; physical theory
Subjects: General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism
General Issues > Structure of Theories
General Issues > Theory/Observation
Depositing User: Prof. Laszlo E. Szabo
Date Deposited: 11 Feb 2017 17:37
Last Modified: 11 Feb 2017 17:37
Item ID: 12817
Subjects: General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism
General Issues > Structure of Theories
General Issues > Theory/Observation
Date: 30 January 2017
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12817

Available Versions of this Item

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item