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DEFINITION BY ABSTRACTION AS A METHOD OF THE EMPIRICAL SCIENCES.

DEFINITION BY ABSTRACTION AS A METHOD OF THE EMPIRICAL SCIENCES.

Authors :
HANZEL, IGOR
Source :
Philosophy of Science / Filozofia Nauki; 2021, Vol. 29 Issue 4, p31-56, 26p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

In this paper, I analyze the structure of definition by abstraction employed in empirical sciences, whose specific feature is that it enables one to introduce a new magnitude on the basis of other, already known magnitudes. After reconstructing Aristotle's and Archimedes' treatment of the term "velocity," I characterize in general terms the importance of this method for empirical sciences and address the nature of this definition drawing on Peano's reconstruction. Next, I show that by means of that definition the magnitude mass can be introduced in classical mechanics, and the magnitude value in political economy drawing on the works of Ricardo. Then follows a critique of the nominalistic objections of Reichenbach and Dubislav against definition by abstraction. Finally, I show that this type of definition requires an in-depth semantic characterization, and this characterization should be based on the application of a hyperintensional semantic theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12306894
Volume :
29
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Philosophy of Science / Filozofia Nauki
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
158191299
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.14394/filnau.2021.0021