more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 3858
[filed under theme 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 1. Observation
]
Full Idea
A full grasp of the concept '…is yellow' involves coming to accept as true bits of theory; that is, generalisations involving the term 'yellow'.
Gist of Idea
A full understanding of 'yellow' involves some theory
Source
W.H. Newton-Smith (The Rationality of Science [1981], II.2)
Book Ref
Newton-Smith,W.H.: 'The Rationality of Science' [RKP 1981], p.27
The
17 ideas
from 'The Rationality of Science'
3853
|
For science to be rational, we must explain scientific change rationally
[Newton-Smith]
|
3854
|
Positivists hold that theoretical terms change, but observation terms don't
[Newton-Smith]
|
3855
|
Critics attack positivist division between theory and observation
[Newton-Smith]
|
3857
|
Defeat relativism by emphasising truth and reference, not meaning
[Newton-Smith]
|
3858
|
A full understanding of 'yellow' involves some theory
[Newton-Smith]
|
3859
|
We do not wish merely to predict, we also want to explain
[Newton-Smith]
|
3861
|
Theories generate infinite truths and falsehoods, so they cannot be used to assess probability
[Newton-Smith]
|
3862
|
All theories contain anomalies, and so are falsified!
[Newton-Smith]
|
3863
|
The anomaly of Uranus didn't destroy Newton's mechanics - it led to Neptune's discovery
[Newton-Smith]
|
3864
|
Anomalies are judged against rival theories, and support for the current theory
[Newton-Smith]
|
3865
|
Why should it matter whether or not a theory is scientific?
[Newton-Smith]
|
3870
|
The real problem of science is how to choose between possible explanations
[Newton-Smith]
|
3866
|
If theories are really incommensurable, we could believe them all
[Newton-Smith]
|
3867
|
De re necessity arises from the way the world is
[Newton-Smith]
|
3869
|
More truthful theories have greater predictive power
[Newton-Smith]
|
3871
|
Explaining an action is showing that it is rational
[Newton-Smith]
|
3872
|
We must assess the truth of beliefs in identifying them
[Newton-Smith]
|