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Single Idea 15528

[filed under theme 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 8. Ramsey Sentences ]

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]