Theoretical concepts as goal-derived concepts.
Stud Hist Philos Sci
; 107: 82-91, 2024 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39226867
ABSTRACT
In this paper, I will focus on the nature of theoretical concepts, i.e., the psychological entities related to theoretical terms in science. I will first argue that the standard picture of theoretical concepts in twentieth-century philosophy of science understood them as representation-oriented common taxonomic concepts. However, I will show how, in light of recent pragmatist approaches to scientific laws and theories, several important theoretical concepts in science do not seem to fit such picture. I will then argue that these theoretical concepts should be understood instead as goal-derived concepts, since their construction and use exhibit the typical characteristics that cognitive scientists assign to goal-derived concepts. I will furthermore argue that the existence of theoretical concepts that are goal-derived concepts represents yet another example of the central role that human goals play in science.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Filosofía
/
Ciencia
/
Objetivos
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Stud Hist Philos Sci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido