Theoretical explanation and errors of measurement

Erkenntnis 33 (3):371 - 390 (1990)
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Abstract

By using the concept of a uniformity, the Structuralists have given us a most useful means of representing approximations. In the second section of this paper, I have made use of this technique to show how we can deal with errors of measurement — imprecise explananda — in the context of theoretical explanation. As well as (I hope) providing further demonstration of the power of the Structuralist approach, this also serves to support the ontic conception of explanation by showing that it can help us resolve substantial problems in the theory of explanation

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John Forge
University College, London (Alumnus)

References found in this work

The logical structure of mathematical physics.C. A. Hooker - 1975 - Tijdschrift Voor Filosofie 37 (1):151-152.
The structure of physical explanation.John Forge - 1980 - Philosophy of Science 47 (2):203-226.
Theory and measurement.W. Balzer - 1983 - Erkenntnis 19 (1-3):2 - 25.

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