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Single Idea 14922

[from 'Every Thing Must Go' by J Ladyman / D Ross, in 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 8. Ramsey Sentences ]

Full Idea

It is a mistake to think that the Ramsey sentence allows us to eliminate theoretical entities, for it still states that they exist. It is just that they are referred to not directly, by means of theoretical terms, but by description.

Gist of Idea

The Ramsey sentence describes theoretical entities; it skips reference, but doesn't eliminate it

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 2.4.1)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.126


Related Idea

Idea 14921 The Ramsey-sentence approach preserves observations, but eliminates unobservables [Ladyman/Ross]