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theoretical construct


Subject Philosophy

DOI: 10.1111/b.9781405106795.2004.x


Extract

Epistemology, philosophy of science Also theoretical term, a term for something that is unobservable and postulated, such as force, atoms, field, or electrons. According to logical positivism, these postulated items do not really exist, and these conceptsare merely economical devices or constructs that are used to explain observable phenomena. It has been a matter of dispute in the philosophy of science whether theoretical terms can be eliminated or replaced by observational terms. Scientific realists reject the notion of a theoretical construct as an interpretation of theoretical terms and accept that theoretical entities in true theories really exist.“… ‘theoretical constructs’ … cannot be mentioned in observation statements.”Pap, An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science ... log in or subscribe to read full text

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Table of Contents

The Blackwell Dictionary of Western Philosophy



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