Reinflating the semantic approach

Bibliographic Data

ID23324531
AuthorsSteven French (University of Leeds), James Ladyman (University of Bristol)
Year1999
Volume13
Issue2
Pages103-121
Publication date1999-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Studies in the Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0269-8595 • E-ISSN: 1469-9281
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02698599908573612
OpenAlexW2123718875
LanguageEN
Citations received61
References cited31

The semantic, or model‐theoretic, approach to theories has recently come under criticism on two fronts: (i) it is claimed that it cannot account for the wide diversity of models employed in scientific practice—a claim which has led some to propose a “deflationary” account of models; (ii) it is further contended that the sense of “model” used by the approach differs from that given in model theory. Our aim in the present work is to articulate a possible response to these claims, drawing on recent developments within the semantic approach itself. Thus, the first is answered by utilizing the notion of a “partial structure”, first introduced in this context by da Costa and French in 1990. The second claim is undermined by consideration of van Fraassen's understanding of “model” which corresponds well with that evinced by modem mathematicians. This latter discussion, in particular, has an impact on the continuing debate regarding the relative merits of the semantic and syntactic views and the developments presented here can be taken to provide further support to the former.

Epistemology · Linguistics · Biomedical Text Mining and Ontologies · Computer Science · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Science and Climate Studies

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