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Single Idea 3866

[filed under theme 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 5. Commensurability ]

Full Idea

If theories are genuinely incommensurable why should I be faced with the problem of choosing between them? Why not believe them all?

Gist of Idea

If theories are really incommensurable, we could believe them all

Source

W.H. Newton-Smith (The Rationality of Science [1981], VII.1)

Book Ref

Newton-Smith,W.H.: 'The Rationality of Science' [RKP 1981], p.148

The 17 ideas from W.H. Newton-Smith

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]