A model-theoretic realist interpretation of science / by Emma Ruttkamp.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ruttkamp, Emma.

Series:

Synthese library ; v. 311.

Synthese library ; v. 311

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Mathematical models.

Science.

Model theory.

Physical Description:

xv, 190 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Dordrecht ; Boston : Kluwer Academic Publichers, [2002]

Contents:

Chapter 1 The notion of "model" in philosophy of science 1

1. The interpretation and use of the notion of "model" in philosophy of science 1

2. Heuristic uses of the notion of "model" 2

3. Statement and non-statement variations of the notion of "model" 5

4. Other methodological uses of the notion of "model": Economics 8

Chapter 2 A model-theoretic account of science 12

2. Terminological note 17

3. The formulation of scientific theories 22

4. The primary semantic interpretation of scientific theories 26

5. The empirical interpretation of scientific theories 29

6. Theories and models in methodological studies of economics 34

7. The problem of "over-determination" of theories by empirical models 44

Chapter 3 The statement account of science 62

2. The two-language view of scientific theories 63

3. Theories and non-observables 65

4. Rules of correspondence 68

5. Ramsey sentences and Putnam's paradox 76

Chapter 4 Variations on the non-statement view of science 91

2. Patrick Suppes's set-theoretic approach to science 91

3. The structuralist programme 97

4. The semantic approaches of Beth, Van Fraassen, and Suppe 108

5. Ronald Giere's naturalistic approach to science 116

6. Nancy Cartwright's "simulacrum" account of science 119

Chapter 5 A model-theoretic realism 141

2. Reality and science 143

3. A modified image of science 145

4. The process of science: Paradigms and models 149

5. The "abstract" and the "concrete" 158

6. Empirical adequacy 163

7. Conclusion: The meaning of model-theoretic realism 166.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

1402007299

OCLC:

50417432