Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'Two Problems of Epistemology', 'Models' and 'Review of Bob Hale's 'Abstract Objects''

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10 ideas

1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis
We can't presume that all interesting concepts can be analysed [Williamson]
6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 1. Mathematical Platonism / a. For mathematical platonism
Platonism claims that some true assertions have singular terms denoting abstractions, so abstractions exist [Williamson]
14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 6. Falsification
Particulars can be verified or falsified, but general statements can only be falsified (conclusively) [Popper]
14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 7. Scientific Models
In the 'received view' models are formal; the 'semantic view' emphasises representation [Portides, by PG]
Theoretical models can represent, by mapping onto the data-models [Portides]
'Model' belongs in a family of concepts, with representation, idealisation and abstraction [Portides]
Representational success in models depends on success of their explanations [Portides]
The best model of the atomic nucleus is the one which explains the most results [Portides]
Models are theory-driven, or phenomenological (more empirical and specific) [Portides]
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism
General theories may be too abstract to actually explain the mechanisms [Portides]