Theoretical Concepts and Hypothetico-Inductive Inference

Conceptual change and its connection to the development of new seien­ tific theories has reeently beeome an intensively discussed topic in philo­ sophieal literature. Even if the inductive aspects related to conceptual change have already been discussed to some extent, there has so far existed no sy...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Niiniluoto, I., Tuomela, R. (Author)
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 1973, 1973
Edition:1st ed. 1973
Series:Synthese Library, Studies in Epistemology, Logic, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science
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Collection: Springer Book Archives -2004 - Collection details see MPG.ReNa
Description
Summary:Conceptual change and its connection to the development of new seien­ tific theories has reeently beeome an intensively discussed topic in philo­ sophieal literature. Even if the inductive aspects related to conceptual change have already been discussed to some extent, there has so far existed no systematic treatment of inductive change due to conceptual enrichment. This is what we attempt to accomplish in this work, al­ though most of our technical results are restricted to the framework of monadic languages. We extend Hintikka's system of inductive logic to apply to situations in which new concepts are introduced to the original language. By interpreting them as theoretica1 concepts, it is possible to discuss a number of currently debated philosophical and methodological problems which have previously escaped systematic and exact treatment. For instance, the role which seientific theories employing theoretical con­ cepts may play within inductive inference can be studied within this framework. From the viewpoint of seientific realism, sueh a study gives outlines for a theory of what we call hypothetico-induetive inference. Some parts of this work which are based on Hintikka's system of in­ ductive logic are fairly technical. However, no previous knowledge of this system is required, but, in general, acquaintance with the basic ideas of elementary logic and probability theory is suffieient. This work is part of a project, originated by Professors Jaakko Hintikka and Raimo Tuomela, concerning the role of theoretical concepts in science
Physical Description:269 p online resource
ISBN:9789401025966