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Full Idea
If we specify a theory with all of its terms, and then replace all of those terms with variables, we can then say that some n-tuples of entities can satisfy this formula. This Ramsey sentence then says the theory is realised, without specifying by what.
Gist of Idea
A Ramsey sentence just asserts that a theory can be realised, without saying by what
Source
David Lewis (How to Define Theoretical Terms [1970], II)
Book Ref
Lewis,David: 'Philosophical Papers Vol.1' [OUP 1983], p.81
A Reaction
[I have compressed Lewis, and cut out the symbolism]
| 15527 | Defining terms either enables elimination, or shows that they don't require elimination [Lewis] |
| 15526 | There is a method for defining new scientific terms just using the terms we already understand [Lewis] |
| 15528 | A Ramsey sentence just asserts that a theory can be realised, without saying by what [Lewis] |
| 15529 | It is better to have one realisation of a theory than many - but it may not always be possible [Lewis] |
| 15530 | A logically determinate name names the same thing in every possible world [Lewis] |
| 15531 | The Ramsey sentence of a theory says that it has at least one realisation [Lewis] |