Carnap and the perils of ramseyfication
pp. 299-310
in: Mauricio Surez, Mauro Dorato, Miklós Rédei (eds), Epsa epistemology and methodology of science, Berlin, Springer, 2010Abstract
Frank Ramsey's proposed regimentation of the theoretical terms of scientific theories has been much discussed recently as an articulation of the position of 'structural realism", a position intended to take its place between scientific realism and its denials. My concern here is different. It is to consider what the now standard criticism of the method of "ramseyfication" – based on Newman's objection to Russell's structuralism – means for Rudolf Carnap's adoption and development of that method from the perspective of Carnap's own philosophical programme and whether it could accommodate the objection.
