Testability and Meaning of Observation Terms and Theoretical Terms Cover Image

Testovateľnosť a význam observačných a teoretických termínov
Testability and Meaning of Observation Terms and Theoretical Terms

Author(s): Lukáš Bielik
Subject(s): Logic, Semantics, Philosophy of Language
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: Carnap; meaning; testability; observation terms and theoretical terms; semantic theories;

Summary/Abstract: Carnap’s analysis of the language of science had presupposed too close a connection between the semantics and testability. The core problem of the logical empiricist tradition was to show how to provide the interpretation of theoretical terms and hence the explanation of their application to observable entities by means of observation terms. It is argued that the utilization of a much more expressive semantic theory which identifies meanings with hyperintensional entities leads to a clarification of the competencies of semantics and methodology. It is claimed that the observability or unobservability of term’s referents does not determine the meaning of the term. Carnap’s reduction sentences are therefore conceived only as methodological devices for the determination of unobservables via the theory-presupposed observable aspects.

  • Issue Year: 18/2011
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 384-397
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Slovak