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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 'The Rationality of Science'
3853
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For science to be rational, we must explain scientific change rationally
[Newton-Smith]
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3854
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Positivists hold that theoretical terms change, but observation terms don't
[Newton-Smith]
|
3855
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Critics attack positivist division between theory and observation
[Newton-Smith]
|
3857
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Defeat relativism by emphasising truth and reference, not meaning
[Newton-Smith]
|
3858
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A full understanding of 'yellow' involves some theory
[Newton-Smith]
|
3859
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We do not wish merely to predict, we also want to explain
[Newton-Smith]
|
3861
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Theories generate infinite truths and falsehoods, so they cannot be used to assess probability
[Newton-Smith]
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3862
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All theories contain anomalies, and so are falsified!
[Newton-Smith]
|
3863
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The anomaly of Uranus didn't destroy Newton's mechanics - it led to Neptune's discovery
[Newton-Smith]
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3864
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Anomalies are judged against rival theories, and support for the current theory
[Newton-Smith]
|
3865
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Why should it matter whether or not a theory is scientific?
[Newton-Smith]
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3870
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The real problem of science is how to choose between possible explanations
[Newton-Smith]
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3866
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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]
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3869
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More truthful theories have greater predictive power
[Newton-Smith]
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3871
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Explaining an action is showing that it is rational
[Newton-Smith]
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3872
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We must assess the truth of beliefs in identifying them
[Newton-Smith]
|