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Single Idea 17704
[filed under theme 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 3. Instrumentalism
]
Full Idea
The central claim of Percy Bridgman's theory of operational definitions (1920s), is that definitions of certain scientific concepts are given by the ways that we have to measure them. For example, a straight line is 'the path of a light ray'.
Gist of Idea
Operationalism defines concepts by our ways of measuring them
Source
Edwin D. Mares (A Priori [2011], 02.9)
Book Ref
Mares,Edwin: 'A Priori' [Acumen 2011], p.31
A Reaction
It is often observed that this captures the spirit of Special Relativity.
The
14 ideas
with the same theme
[scientific truth is just what works in our theories]:
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18982
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Pragmatism says all theories are instrumental - that is, mental modes of adaptation to reality
[James]
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18985
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True thoughts are just valuable instruments of action
[James]
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7621
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Special relativity, unlike general relativity, was operationalist in spirit
[Putnam on Einstein]
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13940
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All linguistic forms in science are merely judged by their efficiency as instruments
[Carnap]
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17665
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The 'Tractatus' is instrumentalist about laws of nature
[Wittgenstein, by Armstrong]
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17658
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Users of digital thermometers recognise no temperatures in the gaps
[Goodman]
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4713
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For Quine, theories are instruments used to make predictions about observations
[Quine, by O'Grady]
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13067
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For the instrumentalists there are no scientific explanations
[Salmon]
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14204
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Naïve operationalism would have meanings change every time the tests change
[Putnam]
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16057
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Instrumentalism normally says some discourse is useful, but not genuinely true
[Horgan,T]
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17704
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Operationalism defines concepts by our ways of measuring them
[Mares]
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6778
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Instrumentalists regard theories as tools for prediction, with truth being irrelevant
[Bird]
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22197
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Theories aren't just for organising present experience if they concern the past or future
[Gorham]
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22196
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For most scientists their concepts are not just useful, but are meant to be true and accurate
[Gorham]
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