Single Idea 18614

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory]

Full Idea

Vertical arguments for eliminativism of theoretical terms note that distinct types of generalisation do not line up with each other. ...It is argued that the theoretical term picks out more than one natural kind.

Gist of Idea

Vertical arguments say eliminate a term if it picks out different natural kinds in different theories

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 8.2.3)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.237


A Reaction

He mentions 'depression', as behavioural and cognitive; the former includes apes, and the latter doesn't. It is a nice principle for tidying up theories.

Related Idea

Idea 18615 Horizontal arguments say eliminate a term if it fails to pick out a natural kind [Machery]