A recent drawing of the theory/observation distinction

Philosophy of Science 38 (3):413-414 (1971)
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Abstract

James Cornman has recently offered a definition for ‘observation term’ which he takes to meet most, if not all, of the standard objections to such definitions. He also employs this definition against certain materialists, but in what follows I wish only to address myself to the proposed definition. I shall argue that he has failed to show any logical difference between “observation terms,” as he defines them, and terms which are not so classified. I shall show that his definition is too restrictive.

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Peter Machamer
University of Pittsburgh

Citations of this work

Observing and what it entails.James W. Cornman - 1971 - Philosophy of Science 38 (3):415-417.
A note on a definition of 'observation term'.Philip A. Ostien - 1975 - Philosophy of Science 42 (2):203-207.

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References found in this work

Mental terms, theoretical terms, and materialism.James W. Cornman - 1968 - Philosophy of Science 35 (March):45-63.

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