Wesley C Salmon
Datos Biográficos
| ID | 128790 |
|---|---|
| NOMBRE | Wesley C Salmon |
| NOMBRES | Wesley C |
| APELLIDO | Salmon |
| FIRMA | SALMON W C |
| AFILIACIONES | University of Arizona |
| VERIFICADO | No |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 44 |
| TOTAL DE CITAS | 106 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 44 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 0 |
| PRIMER AÑO DE PUBLICACIÓN | 1953 |
| AÑO MÁS RECIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2005 |
| ÍNDICE H | 5 |
Explanatoriness
Reality and Rationality
The Spirit of Logical Empiricism
In this paper, I discuss the key role played by Carl G. Hempel's work on theoretical realism and scientific explanation in effecting a crucial philosophical transition between the beginning and the end of the twentieth century. At the beginning of the century, the dominant view was that science is incapable of furnishing explanations of natural phenomena; at the end, explanation is widely viewed as an important, if not the primary, goal of scienc…
Causality and Explanation
Brings together 26 of Salmon's essays, including 7 that have never before been published and others that are difficult to find. Part I (Introductory Essays: Causality, Determinism, and Explanation) comprises five essays that presuppose no formal training in philosophy of science and form a background for subsequent essays. Parts II (Scientific Explanation) and III (Causality) contain Salmon's seminal work on these topics. The essays in Part II pr…
Causality and explanation
For over two decades Wesley Salmon has helped to shape the course of debate in philosophy of science. He is a major contributor to the philosophical discussion of problems associated with causality and the author of two influential books on scientific explanation. This volume collects twenty-six of Salmon's essays, including seven that have never before been published and others difficult to find
Causality and Explanation
This paper discusses several distinct process theories of causality offered in recent years by Phil Dowe and me. It addresses problems concerning the explication of causal process, causal interaction , and causal transmission , whether given in terms of transmission of marks, transmission of invariant or conserved quantities, or mere possession of conserved quantities. Renouncing the mark-transmission and invariant quantity criteria, I accept a c…
Causality Without Counterfactuals
This paper presents a drastically revised version of the theory of causality, based on analyses of causal processes and causal interactions, advocated in Salmon (1984). Relying heavily on modified versions of proposals by P. Dowe, this article answers penetrating objections by Dowe and P. Kitcher to the earlier theory. It shows how the new theory circumvents a host of difficulties that have been raised in the literature. The result is, I hope, a …
Scientific Explanation
El propósito de Wesley Salmon es argumentar en favor de la tesis de que es posible una reconciliación, en grado significativo, entre las dos grandes tradiciones en el análisis de la explicación científica. La idea central es que en estas tradiciones se defienden enfoques que son compatibles y complementarios. Una tradición es la que se inicia con Carl G. Hempel; las ideas desarrolladas por este autor constituyeron, en los años sesenta y setenta, …
Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
Hans Reichenbach
Rational Prediction
Alternative Models of Scientific Explanation
In response to archaeologists' interests in models of scientific explanation, this paper surveys several "covering-law" models. Primary emphasis is on a critical comparison of Hempel's deductive-nomological and inductive-statistical models, and Meehan's systems model, with the more recent statistical-relevance model. The crucial difference hinges on certain relevance conditions. Two advantages of the latter model-of possible interest to anthropol…
Objectively homogeneous reference classes
The philosophy of Hans Reichenbach
Laws, Modalities and Counterfactuals
Indeterminism and Epistemic Relativization
Carl G. Hempel's doctrine of essential epistemic relativization of inductive-statistical explanation seems to entail the unintelligibility of the notion of objective homogeneity of reference classes. This discussion note explores the question of whether, as a consequence, essential epistemic relativization also entails the unintelligibility of the doctrine of indeterminism
An “At-At” Theory of Causal Influence
The propagation of causal influences through space-time seems to play a fundamental role in scientific explanation. Taking as a point of departure a basic distinction between causal interactions (which are localized in space-time) and causal processes (which may extend through vast regions of space-time), this paper attempts an analysis of the concept of causal propagation on the basis of the ability of causal processes to transmit “marks.” The a…
Hempel's Conception of Inductive Inference in Inductive-Statistical Explanation
Carl G. Hempel has often stated that inductive-statistical explanations, as he conceives them, are inductive arguments. This discussion note raises the question of whether such arguments are to be understood as (1) arguments of the traditional sort, containing premises and conclusions, governed by some sort of inductive “acceptance rules,” or (2) something more closely akin to Carnap's degree of confirmation statements which occur in an inductive…
Space, Time and Motion
Space, Time and Motion
Journal Article Book Reviews Get access Space, Time and Motion: A Philosophical Introduction. BY Wesley C. Salmon. (California: Dickenson Publishing Co. 1975. Pp. 147. Price £4.50) Peter Smith Peter Smith Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Philosophical Quarterly, Volume 26, Issue 105, October 1976, Pages 371–372, https://doi.org/10.2307/2218872 Published: 01 October 1976
Reply to Lehman
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Statistical Explanation and Statistical Relevance
Introduction
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
The Conventionality of Simultaneity
After describing a new method of synchronizing spatially separated clocks by means of clock transport, this paper discusses the philosophical import of the existence of such methods, including those of Ellis and Bowman and of Bridgman, with special reference to the Ellis-Bowman claim that “the thesis of the coventionality of distant simultaneity ... is thus either trivialized or refuted.” I argue that the physical facts do not support this philos…
The Foundations of Scientific Inference
Causality Without Counterfactuals
This paper presents a drastically revised version of the theory of causality, based on analyses of causal processes and causal interactions, advocated in Salmon (1984). Relying heavily on modified versions of proposals by P. Dowe, this article answers penetrating objections by Dowe and P. Kitcher to the earlier theory. It shows how the new theory circumvents a host of difficulties that have been raised in the literature. The result is, I hope, a …
Alternative Models of Scientific Explanation
In response to archaeologists' interests in models of scientific explanation, this paper surveys several "covering-law" models. Primary emphasis is on a critical comparison of Hempel's deductive-nomological and inductive-statistical models, and Meehan's systems model, with the more recent statistical-relevance model. The crucial difference hinges on certain relevance conditions. Two advantages of the latter model-of possible interest to anthropol…
On Vindicating Induction
This paper deals with the problem of vindicating a particular type of inductive rule, a rule to govern inferences from observed frequencies to limits of relative frequencies. Reichenbach's rule of induction is defended. By application of two conditions, normalizing conditions and a criterion of linguistic invariance , it is argued that alternative rules lead to contradiction. It is then argued that the rule of induction does not lead to contradic…
Rational Prediction
Objectively homogeneous reference classes
An “At-At” Theory of Causal Influence
The propagation of causal influences through space-time seems to play a fundamental role in scientific explanation. Taking as a point of departure a basic distinction between causal interactions (which are localized in space-time) and causal processes (which may extend through vast regions of space-time), this paper attempts an analysis of the concept of causal propagation on the basis of the ability of causal processes to transmit “marks.” The a…
The Uniformity of Nature
Introduction
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
The Conventionality of Simultaneity
After describing a new method of synchronizing spatially separated clocks by means of clock transport, this paper discusses the philosophical import of the existence of such methods, including those of Ellis and Bowman and of Bridgman, with special reference to the Ellis-Bowman claim that “the thesis of the coventionality of distant simultaneity ... is thus either trivialized or refuted.” I argue that the physical facts do not support this philos…
Reply to Lehman
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
The Status of Prior Probabilities in Statistical Explanation
A consideration of some basic problems that arise in the attempt to provide an adequate characterization of statistical explanation is taken to show that an understanding of the nature of scientific explanation requires us to deal with the philosophical problems connected with the nature of prior probabilities
"Exists" as a Predicate
The Spirit of Logical Empiricism
In this paper, I discuss the key role played by Carl G. Hempel's work on theoretical realism and scientific explanation in effecting a crucial philosophical transition between the beginning and the end of the twentieth century. At the beginning of the century, the dominant view was that science is incapable of furnishing explanations of natural phenomena; at the end, explanation is widely viewed as an important, if not the primary, goal of scienc…
Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World
The philosophy of Hans Reichenbach
The Predictive Inference
A common type of inductive problem is to predict the nature of an unobserved finite sample of a given population on the basis of an observed finite sample of the same population. More precisely, given a class of events A , we examine a sample S n having n members, of which m i belong to the class B i . On the basis of our knowledge that m i / n of S n have been B i , we attempt to predict the ratio of members of B i to members of A in a sample S …
The Short Run
1. The Problem. In spite of the vast discussion which has been devoted to the theory of probability, the problem of the short run has received surprisingly little attention. Yet, the whole significance of the theory depends upon a solution of this problem, for without an answer to it we cannot say why it is useful to have knowledge of probabilities or why we should take account of this knowledge in making practical decisions. As far as I know, Ch…
The Uniformity of Nature
The Short Run
1. The Problem. In spite of the vast discussion which has been devoted to the theory of probability, the problem of the short run has received surprisingly little attention. Yet, the whole significance of the theory depends upon a solution of this problem, for without an answer to it we cannot say why it is useful to have knowledge of probabilities or why we should take account of this knowledge in making practical decisions. As far as I know, Ch…
Reply to Pettijohn
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Regular Rules of Induction
IN Problems of Analysis,' Max Black formulates and discusses what he calls counter-inductive policy. Essentially the policy amounts to this: Given a sequence of events defined by the property A, given a sample of this sequence having n members, and given that m members of the sample have been found to have the property B, predict that n -n m of the total sequence of A's will be B's. The person who adopts this policy is congenital pessimist, for h…
The Predictive Inference
A common type of inductive problem is to predict the nature of an unobserved finite sample of a given population on the basis of an observed finite sample of the same population. More precisely, given a class of events A , we examine a sample S n having n members, of which m i belong to the class B i . On the basis of our knowledge that m i / n of S n have been B i , we attempt to predict the ratio of members of B i to members of A in a sample S …
The Foundations of Science . Sheldon J. Lachman Detroit
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
"Exists" as a Predicate
Induction and Hypothesis, A Study in the Logic of Confirmation
Modern Philosophy of Science
An Introduction to the Logic of the Sciences . R. Harre The General Science of Nature . Vincent Edward Smith The Nature of Science . David Greenwood
On Vindicating Induction
This paper deals with the problem of vindicating a particular type of inductive rule, a rule to govern inferences from observed frequencies to limits of relative frequencies. Reichenbach's rule of induction is defended. By application of two conditions, normalizing conditions and a criterion of linguistic invariance , it is argued that alternative rules lead to contradiction. It is then argued that the rule of induction does not lead to contradic…
Inductive Probability
Frontiers of Science and Philosophy . Robert G. Colodny
The Status of Prior Probabilities in Statistical Explanation
A consideration of some basic problems that arise in the attempt to provide an adequate characterization of statistical explanation is taken to show that an understanding of the nature of scientific explanation requires us to deal with the philosophical problems connected with the nature of prior probabilities
Reply to Kyburg
This rejoinder will be divided into two parts. The first part will be devoted to what appear to be serious disagreements between Professor Kyburg and me. I shall try to show that these disagreements are far more apparent than real. The second part will contain my criticism of Kyburg's constructive suggestion on the nature of explanation
What Happens in the Long Run
The Foundations Of Scientific Inference
157 pages : 21 cm
Introduction
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
The Conventionality of Simultaneity
After describing a new method of synchronizing spatially separated clocks by means of clock transport, this paper discusses the philosophical import of the existence of such methods, including those of Ellis and Bowman and of Bridgman, with special reference to the Ellis-Bowman claim that “the thesis of the coventionality of distant simultaneity ... is thus either trivialized or refuted.” I argue that the physical facts do not support this philos…
The Foundations of Scientific Inference
The Foundations of Scientific Inference
Journal Article Book Reviews Get access The Foundations of Scientific Inference. By Wesley C. Salmon. ( University of Pittsburgh Press, 1967. Pp. x + 157. Price paper $2.25) T. Greenwood T. Greenwood Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Philosophical Quarterly, Volume 19, Issue 74, January 1969, Pages 88–89, https://doi.org/10.2307/2218201 Published: 01 January 1969
The Foundations of Scientific Inference
Statistical Explanation and Statistical Relevance
Reply to Lehman
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Space, Time and Motion
Journal Article Book Reviews Get access Space, Time and Motion: A Philosophical Introduction. BY Wesley C. Salmon. (California: Dickenson Publishing Co. 1975. Pp. 147. Price £4.50) Peter Smith Peter Smith Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Philosophical Quarterly, Volume 26, Issue 105, October 1976, Pages 371–372, https://doi.org/10.2307/2218872 Published: 01 October 1976
Philosophy (39 obras) · Epistemology (35 obras) · Philosophy and History of Science (24 obras) · Computer Science (22 obras) · Mathematics (15 obras) · Philosophy of science (9 obras) · Contemporary philosophy (8 obras) · Physics (8 obras) · Inference (7 obras) · Sociology (7 obras)