Single Idea 17704

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 3. Instrumentalism]

Full Idea

The central claim of Percy Bridgman's theory of operational definitions (1920s), is that definitions of certain scientific concepts are given by the ways that we have to measure them. For example, a straight line is 'the path of a light ray'.

Gist of Idea

Operationalism defines concepts by our ways of measuring them

Source

Edwin D. Mares (A Priori [2011], 02.9)

Book Reference

Mares,Edwin: 'A Priori' [Acumen 2011], p.31


A Reaction

It is often observed that this captures the spirit of Special Relativity.